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Lebanese-Style Spicy Potatoes with Lemon and Cilantro

Lebanese-Style Spicy Potatoes with Lemon and Cilantro

By Calvin CoxSeptember 3, 2021

  • Makes
    4 to 6 servings
  • Cook Time
    35 minutes
  • Rating

This is our simplified version of Lebanese batata harra—or “spicy potatoes” as translated from the Arabic—which typically is made by deep-frying potatoes until crisp, then tossing them in a fragrant mixture of garlic and spices. We get everything done in a nonstick skillet. First, the potatoes are simmered in a modest amount of water until tender, then drained and dried, and finally returned to the pan with olive oil for crisping before the seasonings are introduced. Aleppo pepper is a key ingredient here. The seedless, bright-red pepper flakes have a slightly smoky, subtly fruity flavor with hints of cumin and moderate spiciness. Look for it in Middle Eastern markets, spice shops and well-stocked supermarkets.

Tip

Don’t drain the potatoes of their simmering liquid until they’re fully tender. When they’re added back to the pan, they’ll brown nicely on the exteriors but the interiors will not cook through any more. Also, be sure to dry the potatoes well after draining so they brown and crisp with a minimal amount of splatter.

Ingredients
  • 2 ½

    pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks

  • Kosher salt

  • ¼

    cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3

    medium cloves garlic, minced

  • 1

    tablespoon Aleppo pepper, plus more to serve

  • ½

    teaspoon hot paprika or ½ teaspoon sweet paprika plus ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½

    cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 2

    tablespoons lemon juice

Step 1

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, combine the potatoes, 3 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then cover and cook until a skewer inserted into the potatoes meets no resistance, 10 to 12 minutes.

Drain the potatoes in a colander; wipe out the skillet. Distribute the potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or a doubled layer of paper towels and thoroughly pat dry.

Step 2

In the same skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering.

Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned all over, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic is lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the Aleppo pepper and paprika; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in half the cilantro and the lemon juice.

Taste and season with salt, then transfer to a serving dish. Top with the remaining cilantro and an additional sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.