Happy International Potato Day! Here Are The Best Lebanese Potato Dishes

It’s International Potato Day! We thought we’d celebrate with a list of our favorite Lebanese batata dishes. Because potatoes are staples for a reason.

1. Batata Harra

Obviously, the classic, the go to, the IT girl of the potato world. Curly fries could never. Batata harra are potato cubes sautéed with garlic, cilantro, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. The dish that’s on every dinner table at a Lebanese restaurant.

2. Batata W Baid

 I fear this gem is not given the flowers it deserves. Hands down the best way to start the day if you’re a big ‘to fan. This dish is prepared by sautéing potato cubes with eggs, then you add cumin, salt and pepper and you have the perfect breakfast, or dinner.

You’re crazy if you don’t have it with bread w khodra.

3. Soniyet Batata

An underrated Lebanese twist on Shepherd’s pie. Featuring layers of creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned ground beef, topped off with a buttery breadcrumb crust.

4. Djej W Batata

This is the culinary world’s favorite couple who everyone secretly hates because their love life is perfect. They were high school sweethearts and a match made in heaven.

They may be basic but they’ve been together longer than your own parents. A one-pan meal where you bake the chicken and potatoes together in a garlicky lemon sauce. Your parents have probably made this one a thousand times.

5. Kibbet Batata

This is the one dish your vegan friends bring to the pot-luck that doesn’t taste like tofu and feet. You’ve never been so happy to see them. Made by mashing fluffy potatoes and mixing them with fine bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and spices. Mold them into kibbeh and serve baked or cold.

6. Kafta Bil Sanieh

This was a childhood favorite and the best way to have kafta. Argue with the wall. If you’re not eating this dish with bread, you’re eating it wrong. Also the rice is optional.

To make kafta bil sanieh, layer ground kafta patties, with potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Then you coat the dish with seasoned tomato sauce. Bake for an hour and serve it with a side of arabic bread.

7. Yakhnet Batata

You know when you ask your mom what’s for dinner and she says stew, there’s a moment where the light in your eyes begins to fade. When she says it’s yakhnet batata, suddenly the world is a magical and wondrous place because you know you’re eating the Beyonce of stew. The Fairuz of stew.

This stunning stew is made by sautéing chopped onions, garlic, and cilantro in oil. Then add diced potatoes and meat to a tomato based broth. Simmer until tender and serve with a side of rice and bread.

Send this to your Lebanese mom so you can celebrate International Potato Day with a delicious batata-based staple dish!

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