Side Dish

Batata Harra with Chili and Bell Peppers

Batata harra in a white bowl, golden potatoes with red and green bell pepper pieces, garnished with fresh coriander and chili flakes.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
225 mins
Servings
4
LebaneseEasyLunchDinnerVegetarianVeganGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

Batata harra, Lebanon's beloved spicy potatoes, gets a colorful upgrade with sweet bell peppers and a generous hit of chili. Tossed with garlic, coriander, and a whisper of tahini, this dish is creamy, zesty, and comes together fast.

It's my go-to side for grilled meats or a hearty meze spread—proof that humble potatoes can transform into something spectacular.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

potatoes

vegetable

800 g

Imperial measurement: 1.75 lb

olive oil

fat

4 tbsp

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

bell peppers (mix of red and green)

vegetable

2

fresh chili

vegetable

1-2, to taste

garlic cloves

seasoning

4

fresh coriander

herb

1 cup (packed)

chili flakes

spice

1-2 tsp (adjust to heat preference)

tahini

other

2 tsp

lemon juice

other

2 tbsp

salt

seasoning

1 tsp or to taste

black pepper

spice

1/2 tsp

Method

1

Boil the potatoes

15 mins

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until just tender (about 10–15 minutes). Drain well and set aside to steam dry for a few minutes.

2

Sauté vegetables

7 mins

While the potatoes cook, warm the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and fresh chili, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly charred at the edges. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3

Fry the potatoes

10 mins

Add the drained potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Let them sear untouched for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until well-browned and crispy on the outside.

4

Season and add tahini dressing

2 mins

Stir in the chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice until smooth; drizzle over the potatoes. Toss everything thoroughly to coat.

5

Finish with coriander

2 mins

Remove from heat and fold in the chopped fresh coriander. Taste and adjust seasonings—you may want an extra squeeze of lemon or a pinch more salt. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
5 g
Protein
42 g
Carbohydrates
11 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
610 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Parboiling the potatoes before frying is essential: it softens the interior while allowing the outside to turn beautifully crispy when seared.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet—if needed, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they get those irresistible golden spots.
  • Tahini in the dressing adds a subtle nutty creaminess without making the dish taste heavy, it pairs beautifully with the punchy chili and garlic.
  • For less heat, seed the fresh chili or swap in a milder pepper like Anaheim.
  • If.
  • If you love spice, increase the chili flakes to 1 tablespoon.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve batata harra as a vibrant side beside grilled chicken, lamb kofta, or a simple white fish. Alongside hummus, tabbouleh, and pita, it becomes a complete meze spread that will have everyone going back for more.
  • For.
  • For a vegetarian main, pair it with a crisp salad and warm flatbread.

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Sami Haddad

Recipe by

Sami Haddad

Specialises in Lebanese cuisine

Sami 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.