In this classic Lebanese “mezze” (appetizer), golden potatoes are tossed with chopped cilantro and crushed garlic with freshly squeezed lemon juice as a finishing touch.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.Crush the garlic using a mortar and pestle. Finely chop the cilantro leaves.
Peel and wash the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes, a little less than 1 inch in size. Toss the potato cubes with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and salt. Scatter the potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the crushed garlic and finely chopped cilantro for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the cooked potatoes and black pepper. (If you like it spicy, season with cayenne or hot pepper.)
Squeeze 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice over the potatoes. Serve hot.