Baked Potato Nests
By: Tanvi
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - 11:22pm

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

1 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. 2 Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan saute the diced zucchini in 1 tsp olive oil for about 2 minutes. 3 In a small bowl mix the sautéed zucchini,diced tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano,hot sauce and salt and combine well.Refrigerate till ready to serve. 4 Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease 6 cups of your muffin sheet. Alternatively, you can also make these using mini muffin tray. 5 Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes. Gently toss grated potatoes with salt and pepper in a bowl. 6 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. 7 Bake the potato nests until edges are dark golden, about 20-25 minutes. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 Serve right away ! 12 Notes: 13 You can also use store-bought thawed hash browns for making the nests. 14 Use whatever topping you want ..spinach,mushrooms,salmon,eggs,bacon,basil, chives …anything or everything u want!!