Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon gold)
Seasoning and Herbs
- 1 Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3-4 Tablespoons cilantro or parsley (minced)
- 2-3 Tablespoons dill (minced, optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into small, even-sized cubes. Place them in a large bowl filled with ice water and soak for 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well during cooking.
- Cook the potatoes (choose one method):
- Deep-Fry: Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a deep pan to 350ºF. Fry the potatoes in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Air-Fry: Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of oil and place in an air fryer at 400ºF. Cook for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Roast: Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of oil. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400ºF oven for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
- Assemble the dish: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the cooked potatoes to the pan along with the minced herbs (cilantro or parsley and optional dill) and spices (cumin, coriander, smoked paprika or red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper). Toss gently to combine all the flavors well. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a serving platter. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top and provide lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness. Enjoy warm as a flavorful side or appetizer.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes in ice water is important for achieving crispiness by reducing surface starch.
- Choose the cooking method based on your preference or available equipment – frying yields the crispiest texture, air frying is a healthier alternative, and roasting provides a convenient hands-off approach.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to control the heat according to your taste.
- Fresh herbs are key to brightening the rich spices in this dish; substitute with other fresh herbs if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as potatoes can lose crispiness when sitting too long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-30 minutes depending on cooking method
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Lebanese
