These Turkish potatoes are the perfect side dish. They're zesty from the lemon juice and slightly spicy from the hot pepper flake. The potatoes are pan fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. The potatoes are then topped with fresh parsley and dill for the perfect finish.
I love Turkish cuisine. The food is so savory, vibrant, and well-seasoned. Ever since I ordered Turkish potatoes as a side dish at an authentic recipe in Florida, I couldn't get enough. They were pan fried to perfection, seasoned with different spices, and topped with fresh herbs. I ordered an extra side of potatoes to go home and enjoy later that night.
With each bite, I started to write down the flavors and ingredients I tasted to try and replicate the recipe. After multiple attempts at trying, this recipe is the result. Something I realized when doing my own research on Turkish potatoes is all the different methods that can be used to make Turkish potatoes. This recipe is most similar to traditional batata harra recipes. I can't get enough of them and I'm so excited to share this with you.
More of my favorite potato recipes on the blog include air fryer potatoes and carrots, air fryer Greek potatoes, boursin mashed potatoes, instant pot German potato salad, and buffalo smashed potatoes.
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Why You'll Love Turkish Potatoes
Flavorful Seasonings: Turkish potatoes are seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean spices and herbs, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile that doesn't lack flavor.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: The potatoes are slowly pan-fried for around 25 minutes to achieve the perfect crunchy texture on the outside that's soft and tender on the inside.
Versatile: These can be served either as a side with your favorite meat dishes or as the main dish.
Easy Cleanup: All you need is a cutting board and a skillet for this recipe. Don't worry about spending long in the kitchen cooking after the potatoes are done.
Budget-Friendly: Want quality flavors without spending a fortune? Potatoes are very affordable and filling too!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Extra virgin olive oil - Used to sautee the potatoes. Try using an olive oil infused with garlic or herbs for enhanced flavor.
Yellow potatoes - I chose gold potatoes for this recipe because one, I had them on hand, and two, I love the color and smooth buttery texture. Russet potatoes are often used to make Turkish-style potatoes. You can also use red potatoes, or baby potatoes if you'd like. Try to choose starchy potatoes for the best results.
Garlic - Fresh garlic is going to be best in this Turkish recipe.
Kosher salt and black pepper - To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients
Turmeric - For added color and subtle flavor
Cumin - Adds a little bit of a savory, nutty flavor to the potatoes.
Red pepper chili flakes - These red pepper flakes bring the heat. Use as much or as little chilli flakes as you want based on your preference and what you can handle. Start small then add a little more at a time. Aleppo pepper (also known as Turkish pul biber) or cayenne pepper are commonly used to make the traditional Turkish kumpir recipe. You can find Aleppo pepper at Middle Eastern grocery stores. You can omit the red chili flakes all together if you're not a fan of spicy potatoes.
Lemon - For added zestiness
Fresh parsley and dill - For added color and freshness. You're welcome to use any herb or other topping you have on hand for the potatoes including green onions, or even red onion.
How to Make Turkish Potatoes
Step 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2. Once the oil is heated, add potatoes and garlic then season with salt and pepper generously. Add turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the potatoes are well seasoned on all sides.
Step 3. Cook potatoes on low to medium-low heat for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, about every 5-7 minutes. You want to leave the potatoes to cook with enough time to develop a crust.
Step 4. At the 25-minute mark, add 1/2 fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Let cook on low to medium low for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 5. Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley and fresh dill. Serve immediately.
Can I Bake Turkish Potatoes?
To bake Turkish potatoes, begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, turmeric, cumin, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in an aluminum foil-lined baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes stirring halfway through. Top with fresh parsley and fresh dill.
Pro Tips
Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the ideal texture and flavor.
Uniform Slicing: Ensure uniform thickness when slicing the large potatoes to promote even cooking and consistent crispiness. Keep in mind how big you slice the potatoes will affect the cooking time to be sure to watch out for this.
Pre-soak in Water: While this isn't required it is recommended to soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This enhances the crispiness during frying.
Thorough Drying: Pat the soaked potato slices completely dry with a kitchen towel before frying to minimize splattering and encourage better browning.
Test Oil Temperature: Heat the frying oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for achieving crispy potatoes. If the oil is too hot you risk burning the outsides of the potatoes before they can cook through and become soft.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to allow the potatoes to cook evenly. If your skillet isn't big enough to fit all the potatoes you may need to fry in batches.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Tomato Potatoes: Toss the sliced potatoes in a mixture of tomato sauce or tomato paste along with the other spices in this recipe for a spicy and aromatic kick.
Smoky Paprika Potatoes: Infuse a smoky flavor by dusting the potatoes with smoked paprika.
Za'atar and Sesame Potatoes: Coat the potatoes with za'atar spice blend and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.
Turkish Baharat Blend: Create a Turkish spice blend with cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon to impart authentic Turkish flavors.
Feta and Olive Topping: Crumble feta cheese over the potatoes and add sliced Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor combination.
Turkish Sumac Potatoes: Sprinkle the potatoes with ground sumac for a tangy and citrusy flavor that complements the crispy texture.
Ways to Top Turkish Potatoes
Something that makes Turkish Potatoes so good are the variety of toppings that can be served over top of this delicious potato recipe.
Herbed Tomato Salsa: Create a fresh tomato salsa with chopped tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice. Spoon it over the potatoes for a burst of brightness.
Feta Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the warm potatoes for a salty and tangy kick that complements the crispy texture.
Green Olive Tapenade: Prepare a tapenade by combining green olives, black olive, capers, garlic, red peppers, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until chopped evenly. Spread it over the potatoes for a briny and flavorful topping.
Chopped Dill and Sumac: Combine chopped fresh dill with a sprinkle of sumac to infuse the potatoes with a bright, citrusy, and herbal flavor.
Pomegranate Molasses Glaze: Glaze the potatoes with a mixture of pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and a touch of honey for a sweet and tangy twist.
Serve Turkish Potatoes With...
Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
Storing and Reheating
To store Turkish potatoes, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness. When reheating, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for approximately 10-15 minutes or until they are thoroughly warmed, ensuring to check the center for doneness.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though this method may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating. To revive their crispy exterior, consider using an air fryer for a few minutes. Serve the reheated Turkish potatoes immediately.
More Side Ideas
The Best Pan Fried Turkish Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 yellow potatoes peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is heated, add potatoes and garlic then season with salt and pepper generously. Add turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the potatoes are well seasoned on all sides.
- Cook potatoes on low to medium-low heat for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, about every 5-7 minutes. You want to leave the potatoes to cook with enough time to develop a crust.
- At the 25-minute mark, add 1/2 fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Let cook on low to medium low for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley and fresh dill. Serve immediately.
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