Baked Potato Nests

Photo: Tanvi

Ingredients

For the nests

6 Makes

3 russet potatoes

1 teaspoon crushed black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

water for boiling

For the filling (there is no measurement as such, just chop and combine anything) I am jotting down for

3 tablespoons diced zucchini

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon oregano

3 tablespoons diced tomatoes

4 tablespoons fresh mozzarella, cut into small pieces

Salt to taste

Cilantro/ Parsley for garnish (optional)

A few dollops of sour cream (if you wish)

Preparation

In a large pan with a lid, boil unpeeled potatoes in lots of water over high heat till just cooked,about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and then refrigerate until cold.

Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan saute the diced zucchini in 1 tsp olive oil for about 2 minutes.

In a small bowl mix the sautéed zucchini,diced tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano,hot sauce and salt and combine well.Refrigerate till ready to serve.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease 6 cups of your muffin sheet. Alternatively, you can also make these using mini muffin tray.

Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes. Gently toss grated potatoes with salt and pepper in a bowl.

In each muffin cup,place about 2 heaped tbsp of the potato mixture and press against bottom and up sides.Do not spread or press the mixture too hard else holes will form while baking.

Bake the potato nests until edges are dark golden, about 20-25 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool the baked nests in muffin sheet for 10 minutes.Thereafter, carefully remove nests from the muffin sheet and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to set .Leave at room temperature.

Just before serving, preheat the oven to 375 F. Remove the paper towel beneath the nests and bake untill the nests are thoroughly heated and crisp.Around 6-9 minutes.

Transfer the nests to the serving platter.Using a small spoon, tip in the veggie mixture into each potato nest and top each nest with a dollop of light sour cream and if desired , a cilantro/parsley leaf.

Serve right away !

Notes:

You can also use store-bought thawed hash browns for making the nests.

Use whatever topping you want ..spinach,mushrooms,salmon,eggs,bacon,basil, chives …anything or everything u want!!