Quail Eggs in Potato Nests

Photo by Soner Eker on Unsplash
Quail Eggs in Potato Nests are the perfect choice for an elegant brunch or a refined appetizer at a special dinner. This dish, both simple and sophisticated, will impress your guests with its unique presentation and delicate flavors. For a complete meal, accompany these potato nests with a lightly seasoned green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables to add a touch of freshness. Their versatility also allows them to be served on festive occasions, such as end-of-year celebrations or receptions, where they will bring an elegant and original note to your table.
List of Utensils #
- A vegetable peeler (affiliate link)
- A coarse grater (affiliate link)
- A clean kitchen towel (affiliate link)
- A bowl (affiliate link)
- A muffin tin (affiliate link)
- A kitchen brush (optional) (affiliate link)
- A small spoon or spatula (affiliate link)
- A small container (affiliate link)
- An oven
- A serving platter
- Knives and small spatulas
Recipe #
Ingredients #
- 12 quail eggs
- 2 large potatoes (Russet or any other firm-fleshed variety)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (chives, parsley, or thym)
Instructions #
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Ensure the oven is well heated before putting in the potato nests.
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Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Then grate them using a coarse grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
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Season and form the nests: Transfer the grated potatoes to a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well so the potatoes are fully coated. Take a small amount of the potato mixture and place it into each greased cup of a muffin tin. Form small nests by pressing the mixture against the bottom and sides.
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Bake the nests: Put the potato nests in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges. Remove from the oven.
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Add the quail eggs: Carefully crack a quail egg into each nest. It’s preferable to crack the eggs into a small container before gently transferring them into the nests to avoid breaking them.
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Finish baking: Return the nests to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
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Serve immediately: Remove the potato nests from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Use a knife or a small spatula to gently remove them from the tin. Place them on a serving platter.
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Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each nest and garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
Tips #
- Ensure the grated potatoes are thoroughly dried to prevent the nests from becoming too moist.
- For a variation, you can add some grated cheese or pre-cooked bacon bits to the potato mixture.