Lebanese Style Batata Matri Kizbra Recipe – Garlic Coriander Spiced Potatoes
Lebanese Style Batata Matri Kizbra is a delightful and simple Middle Eastern appetizer that brings together the earthy flavor of crispy fried potatoes and the aromatic zest of garlic and coriander. This dish, made with basic yet flavorful ingredients, offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy tastes. The word “Batata” means potatoes in Arabic, and in this recipe, they are diced into small cubes, fried until golden and crispy, and then tossed with fresh garlic, chopped coriander leaves, and a hint of heat from green chilies. The addition of a squeeze of lemon juice at the end enhances the flavor profile, making this a refreshing and aromatic dish that can be served as a perfect starter or side to any Lebanese meal.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 4 medium-sized potatoes |
| Garlic (minced) | 7 cloves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Green Chilies (chopped) | 4 chilies |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | For seasoning |
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by peeling and washing the potatoes thoroughly. After that, cut them into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the potato cubes with a little salt and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients. -
Fry the Potatoes:
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped potato cubes. Fry the potatoes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. This process should take around 15-20 minutes. Once fried, remove the potatoes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. -
Sauté Garlic, Chilies, and Coriander:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil, if needed, and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it turns light golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once the garlic is ready, add the chopped green chilies and chopped coriander leaves. Fry everything for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs and chilies release their aromas. -
Combine the Potatoes and Flavorings:
Add the fried potatoes back into the pan with the garlic, chilies, and coriander. Toss everything together gently to ensure the potatoes are coated well with the fragrant oil and herbs. Make sure not to break the crispy potato pieces while tossing. -
Final Touch:
Turn off the heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the potatoes, giving them a final toss. This adds a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the fried potatoes and oil. -
Serve:
Serve your Lebanese Style Batata Matri Kizbra warm as an appetizer or alongside main dishes like Shish Tawook (Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers) or Lebanese Chickpea Falafel for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this simple yet flavorful dish that brings the essence of Lebanon straight to your plate.
