Recipes

Ensalada de Nopales y Camarones (Salad of Cactus and Shrimp)

Recipe features cactus paddles, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, onions and shrimp.

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Ingredients

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ medium red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 medium size fresh nopales
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 medium shrimp (about ½ pound), peeled and deveined, with tails on
¼ cup white vinegar
Lettuce leaves or corn tortillas for serving


Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Set aside.

Preheat a ridged grill pan over a medium-high flame. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic and ½ cup of the extra virgin olive oil. Dip the nopales in the garlic oil to coat; season both sides with salt and pepper to taste, reserving garlic oil. Place the cactus on the hot grill and cook until limp, about 4 minutes on each side. When cool, cut the pads into ¼-inch thick strips. Add to the tomato mixture.

Dip the shrimp in the reserved garlic oil to coat and season. Grill for 3 minutes on each side, until firm and pink and add to the tomato-nopales mixture. Pour the vinegar and remaining ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a lettuce leaf or corn tortilla.
Posted: 1/8/2010 4:22:34 PM

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