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Easy Quail Eggs in Hash Brown Nests photo

Quail Eggs in Hash Brown Nests

These Quail Eggs in Hash Brown Nests are absolutely adorable! Crispy potatoes cradle rich quail eggs for a brunch dish that's both delightful and delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Hash Brown Nests:
  • 2 large potatoes (shredded)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 12 quail eggs
  • 4 sprigs rosemary (fresh, optional)

Equipment

  • Box grater or food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Muffin tin
  • Non-stick spray or oil
  • Small saucepan
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Directions:
  1. Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes. Using a box grater or food processor, shred the potatoes into fine strands. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, one egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or a little oil. Take small handfuls of the potato mixture and press them firmly into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form little nests.
  4. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the nests are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
  5. While the nests are baking, bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the quail eggs and boil for about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, gently crack the shells and peel the eggs.
  6. Once the hash brown nests are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Carefully place one quail egg in each nest. If desired, you can sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on top for added flavor.
  7. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve the Quail Eggs in Hash Brown Nests warm and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the potatoes as possible for the crispiest nests.
  • If you can't find quail eggs, you can substitute with regular chicken eggs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination.
  • These nests can be made ahead of time; just reheat in the oven before serving.