Spicy Middle Eastern Potatoes: Whipped Feta with Batata Harra

Batata harra is a beloved Lebanese potato side dish that’s bursting with spicy flavor and rich textures. Served with a silky and cooling whipped feta dip, it’s a Middle Eastern masterpiece that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Tender cubes of perfectly seasoned potatoes sizzle in the oven until they’re golden brown and crackly on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside. Then they’re topped with the silky perfection of velvety, tangy whipped feta as well as olive oil infused with a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, cilantro, crushed red pepper, and cardamom. It’s an absolute showstopper that no one will be able to stop talking about!

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, batata harra with whipped feta dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

whipped feta topped with spicy Middle Eastern potatoes

If you’re looking for a potato side dish, and you appreciate some spice, you absolutely must try these spicy potatoes! And not only do we make these utterly tasty potatoes — we pair them with whipped feta dip for a mouthwatering side that’s chock-full of flavor and incredible texture! The warm and spicy appetizer pairs so well with the cool and silky feta dip.

If you tried our Whipped Feta with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas or the Whipped Feta with Roasted Olives, then 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 off 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 outsides are nice and crackly and the insides are tender. We use a simple extra virgin olive oil, and salt on the potatoes. Avoid putting too much spice and seasonings on the potatoes — they will get a generous 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, then 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.

a bowl of whipped feta with spicy Middle Eastern potatoes

Cheese Variations

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

Common Questions about Whipped Feta with Batata Harra

Should Batata Harra be served hot or cold?

Batata Harra is finest served hot or warm when the potatoes are at their crispiest, while the whipped feta should be at room temperature for the creamiest texture. The temperature contrast makes each bite extra exciting!

Can you make this dish less spicy but still flavorful?

Absolutely — focus on the aromatic spices like coriander and garlic, and dial back the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes! The whipped feta adds such wonderful creaminess that you won’t miss the heat.

How do you make feta whipped and silky?

The secret is bringing your feta to room temperature and blending it in a food processor with other silky ingredients like cheeses, sour cream, or Greek yogurt until it’s super smooth.

What kind of potatoes work finest for Batata Harra?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are reliable since they hold their shape while getting crackly on the outside. They also absorb all those memorable spices without falling apart!

How to store leftover feta dip

If you end up having leftovers, try taking the potatoes off so that they can be reheated separately. Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 6 servings

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 45 mins

Spicy Lebanese potatoes topped over a silky whipped feta dip! Email

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.3 peeled and chopped yukon gold potatoes, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt
In the food processor add feta cheese, ricotta, sour cream, tahini, lemon zest and splash of water.12 oz feta cheese, 1 tbsp tahini, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp water or milk
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.1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp crushed red pepper, 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

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.