Side Dish
Batata bil Foron (Oven-Roasted Potatoes with Herbs)

About this dish
Batata bil foron, or oven-roasted potatoes with herbs, is a beloved Lebanese side dish that graces family tables from Beirut to Byblos. These golden, crisp-edged potato wedges are tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a bouquet of fresh herbs, then roasted until tender inside and irresistibly crunchy outside.
Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, they pair beautifully with grilled meats, stews, or a simple meze spread.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
potatoes
vegetable900 g
Imperial measurement: 2 lb
olive oil
fat60 ml
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
garlic cloves
vegetable4 cloves, minced
fresh parsley
herb30 g, finely chopped
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
fresh thyme
herb1 tbsp, chopped
fresh mint
herb2 tbsp, finely chopped
fresh lemon juice
liquid1 tbsp
sea salt
seasoning1 1/2 tsp
freshly ground black pepper
spice1/2 tsp
Method
Preheat and Prepare
PT10MPreheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly; there's no need to peel them unless you prefer. Cut the potatoes into even wedges or chunks, about 2-3 cm (3/4-1 inch) thick, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Season the Potatoes
PT5MIn a large mixing bowl, combine the potato wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Toss well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
PT0MSpread the potatoes evenly onto a large baking sheet in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of roast. Reserve some space between pieces.
Roast Until Golden
PT45MRoast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges and tender inside. If you like extra crispness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Add Fresh Herbs
PT3MRemove the potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the parsley, thyme, and mint. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt to taste.
Serve at Once
PT0MServe hot, warm, or even at room temperature—these potatoes are delicious any way. Move them to a serving platter and enjoy the crispy, herby goodness.
Equipment
- large baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes in salted water, then drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes before tossing with oil. This removes excess starch and ensures a crunchier exterior.
- Feel free to play with the herb mix: fresh oregano or za'atar can replace or join the thyme and mint, giving the potatoes a different regional twist with no extra effort.
- If you're not a garlic fan, you can cut back to 2 cloves, but in Lebanon we love our garlic—so don't be shy.
- Pair these potatoes with a side of tahini sauce (tahini mixed with lemon and water) for a creamy, nutty dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
Serving suggestions
- Serve alongside Lebanese grilled chicken (shish taouk), lamb kofta, or fish.
- Ideal for a meze spread with hummus, tabbouleh, and fresh pita bread.
- For a light lunch, pair with a crisp green salad and a dollop of plain yogurt.
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Recipe by
Sami Haddad
Specialises in Lebanese cuisineSami makes hummus with so much tahini it's basically a dessert. He is a chickpea champion.
Describe yourself in three words: Creamy, tahini-heavy, chickpea lover.