Whipped Feta with Batata Harra (Spicy Middle Eastern Potatoes)

Batata harra is a popular Lebanese potato side dish that’s spicy and full of flavor, served over a creamy and cool whipped feta dip.

If you’re looking for a potato side dish, and you appreciate some spice, try these spicy potatoes! Not only do we make these delicious potatoes but we serve it over whipped feta dip for a mouthwatering side! The warm and spicy appetizer pairs so well with the cool and creamy feta dip.

If you tried our Whipped Feta with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas or the Whipped Feta with Roasted Olives, than this recipe is a must add to your list!

What is Batata Harra?

Batata Harra literally translates to “spicy potatoes.” It’s commonly served in Lebanon but it’s made its way to homes all across the Middle East and beyond.

Traditionally, the potatoes are cubed and  deep fried, then you drain the excess oil  with paper towels. To make the spicy herb sauce you start of by heating up olive oil in a pan, add a lot of garlic, crushed red pepper, spices, and cilantro.

We opted to make this a little lighter by roasting the potatoes in the oven until the outside is nice and crispy and the inside is tender. We use a simple extra virgin olive oil, and salt on the potatoes. We do not put too much spice and seasonings on the potatoes as it will get a good amount of flavor from the feta dip and the olive oil herb sauce.

How to make ahead?

• Make the cheese dip and potatoes  according to the recipe instructions, refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
• Once you are ready to serve.  Take the dip out of the refrigerator to allow it to get to room temperature.
• Bake the potatoes back in the oven at 350 degrees F. for about 15 minutes, just until they are warm.
• Make the garlic herb sauce.
• Spread on a plate and top with the potatoes and sauce.

Cheese Variations:

If don’t have ricotta cheese, that’s okay, substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone cheese.

How to store leftover feta dip

If you end up having leftovers, try taking the potatoes off as that can be heated up separately. Store the leftover dip in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Batata Harra with Whipped Feta Dip (Middle Eastern Spicy Potatoes)

5 from 1 vote

Author: Food Dolls

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

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Spicy Lebanese potatoes topped over a creamy whipped feta dip!

Ingredients  

• ▢ 3 peeled and chopped yukon gold potatoes
• ▢ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 tsp sea salt

Spicy Herbed Olive Oil

• ▢ 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 2 tsp crushed red pepper more or less to taste
• ▢ 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• ▢ 1/2 cup flat leaf Italian parsley
• ▢ 3 cloves grated garlic
• ▢ 1 tsp chili powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp cumin
• ▢ 1/4 tsp salt more or less to taste
• ▢ 1/4 tsp ground cardamom optional

Whipped Feta Dip

• ▢ 12 oz feta cheese
• ▢ 1 tbsp tahini stirred
• ▢ 3/4 cup sour cream
• ▢ 2 tbsp water or milk
• ▢ 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• ▢ 2 tsp lemon zest

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a baking dish add quartered or cubed potatoes. Toss together with olive oil and salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
• In the food processor add feta cheese, ricotta, sour cream, tahini, lemon zest and splash of water.
• In a sauce pan, heat the olive oil until hot. In a heat safe measuring cup or bowl, add crushed garlic, cilantro, parsley, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cardamom. Gently mix together. Being very careful, pour the hot olive oil over the garlic and herbs. Mix until combined.

To Plate

• In a 12-inch serving platter add the whipped feta dip. Top with the roasted potatoes and drizzle with as little or as much of the herb mixture as you like.

Video

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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