If you’re searching for a dish that brings together the creamy, squeaky satisfaction of grilled halloumi with the earthy sweetness of roasted vegetables—spiked with bold Middle Eastern flavors—this recipe is your new go-to.
We’re taking RoboFood Batata Harra Seasoning beyond the classic potato dish and transforming it into a vibrant, spicy tahini marinade that clings beautifully to both halloumi cheese and caramelized sweet potatoes.
The result?
A colorful, nutrient-rich plate that’s bursting with heat, tang, and aromatic depth.
Perfect as a vegetarian main, a mezze centerpiece, or a bold side dish at your next gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
RoboFood Batata Harra Seasoning is already a powerhouse blend.
With its foundation of chili, garlic, coriander, and paprika, it delivers layered flavor with minimal effort.
But we’re unlocking a new dimension by incorporating it into a tahini-based marinade—something that’s common in Levantine cuisine but not often paired with halloumi.
The creamy richness of tahini balances the sharp heat of the seasoning, while lemon juice adds brightness and depth.
When brushed over grilled halloumi and roasted sweet potatoes, it creates a sticky, flavorful crust that makes every bite irresistible.
What is Batata Harra?
Originating from Lebanon, Batata Harra translates to ‘spicy potatoes.’ It’s a beloved street food and home-cooked dish made by stir-frying cubed potatoes with a spicy garlic-chili oil and aromatic spices.
The dish is often served as a side to grilled meats or as part of a mezze spread.
The brilliance of the seasoning lies in its balance—fierce heat tempered with earthy cumin, fragrant coriander, and a citrusy lift.
RoboFood’s version captures all of this, making it a versatile tool in your spice arsenal.
Why Use Batata Harra Seasoning in a Tahini Marinade?
Bringing Batata Harra seasoning into a tahini marinade is a game-changer because it adds complexity without requiring a long list of individual spices.
Tahini on its own can be rich and nutty but a bit flat.
Adding this seasoning transforms it into something electric—spicy, garlicky, and deeply savory.
The oil in the tahini also helps distribute the seasoning evenly, ensuring maximum flavor adhesion, especially when grilling or roasting.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s walk through the components of this recipe and why each plays a crucial role.
For the Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness contrasts brilliantly with the spicy tahini. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even roasting.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes caramelize and prevents sticking. Use a good quality extra virgin for best flavor.
- Salt: Enhances natural sweetness and balances other flavors.
For the Halloumi
- Halloumi cheese: Known for its high melting point, halloumi holds up beautifully on the grill. Look for blocks that are firm and not overly salty. Slice into ½-inch thick slabs for even cooking.
For the Spicy Tahini Marinade
- Tahini: The star of the show. Use 100% pure sesame paste with no added stabilizers or sugars.
- RoboFood Batata Harra Seasoning: The magic ingredient. Its blend of chili, garlic, and spices infuses the tahini with Middle Eastern soul.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and lifts the richness of both tahini and cheese.
- Garlic (minced): Reinforces the garlic base in the seasoning and adds pungency.
- Water: Thins the marinade to a brushable consistency without diluting flavor.
- Pomegranate molasses (optional): A traditional touch that adds tangy sweetness and depth—perfect for balancing heat.
How to Make It
This recipe comes together in three easy phases: roasting the sweet potatoes, preparing the marinade, and grilling the halloumi.
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- While roasting, begin the marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tahini Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup tahini, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1½ teaspoons RoboFood Batata Harra Seasoning, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2–3 tablespoons of water.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
If using, stir in 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses for a tangy-sweet twist.
Taste and adjust—add more lemon for brightness or water if the mixture is too thick.
Divide the marinade in half.
Reserve one half for drizzling after cooking; use the other half to coat the sweet potatoes immediately after they come out of the oven while they’re still hot.
Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 3: Grill the Halloumi
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Brush the halloumi slices lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden grill marks appear and the cheese begins to soften slightly.
As soon as the halloumi comes off the grill, brush each side generously with the reserved spicy tahini marinade.
The warmth of the cheese will help the marinade cling and absorb a little, enhancing flavor with every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the tahini-coated sweet potatoes on a platter or in shallow bowls.
Place the grilled, marinated halloumi on top or alongside.
Drizzle with any remaining marinade and garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or even pomegranate arils for a pop of color and tartness.
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon and olive oil
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads for scooping
- A dollop of plain yogurt to cool the heat
- Minty tabbouleh for fresh contrast
Nutritional Benefits
Don’t be fooled by its indulgent taste—this recipe packs a nutritious punch.
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
Halloumi provides a good source of protein and calcium, making this dish satisfying enough to stand alone.
Tahini adds heart-healthy fats and a dose of iron and calcium from sesame seeds.
Even the RoboFood seasoning contributes—without preservatives, and packed with antioxidant-rich spices like paprika and garlic.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To ensure flawless results, follow these pro tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: This allows steam to escape, helping the potatoes caramelize instead of steam.
- Use room-temperature tahini: Cold tahini can seize up when mixed with acid. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before using.
- Grill over direct heat: A hot grill pan ensures you get those beautiful char marks without overcooking the halloumi.
- Make it vegan: Replace halloumi with grilled firm tofu or marinated chickpeas for a plant-powered alternative.
Want to switch it up?
Try adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini to the sweet potato roast.
You can also blend a spoonful of harissa into the marinade for an extra kick, or swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a more traditional Batata Harra nod.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven to preserve texture, and enjoy the halloumi cold or at room temperature—it still tastes fantastic.
The marinade may thicken when chilled, so stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before reusing.
Cultural Inspiration and Modern Twists
This recipe celebrates the spirit of Lebanese cooking—bold, communal, and deeply flavorful—while embracing modern, flexible eating.
By using a pre-mixed seasoning like RoboFood Batata Harra, we honor the authenticity of the flavor profile without the labor of toasting and grinding multiple spices.
It’s a nod to tradition, made accessible for today’s kitchen.
At the same time, combining tahini with grilled cheese and roasted vegetables reflects how global pantry staples are merging in creative ways.
It’s a dish that feels familiar yet exciting—perfect for adventurous home cooks and spice lovers alike.
Final Thoughts
With just a handful of ingredients and one standout seasoning blend, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that dazzles the senses.
The marriage of creamy tahini, spicy Batata Harra seasoning, sweet roasted potatoes, and salty grilled halloumi is nothing short of crave-worthy.
Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, a vegetarian option for guests, or a centerpiece at a summer barbecue, this recipe will leave a lasting impression.
So grab your grill pan, preheat the oven, and let RoboFood Batata Harra Seasoning take your cooking to bold new places.
One bite of this dish, and you’ll understand why Middle Eastern flavors continue to captivate kitchens worldwide.
