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Nopales

 
Nopales
prickly pear plant
photo credit: gourmetsleuth
Other Names:nopalitos, prickly pear cactus

What is Nopales

Nopalitos are from the genus Opuntia from the Cactaceae family, or what is commonly known as the Prickly Pear Cactus. Nopal means cactus in Spanish and Nopales is term for "cactus stem". The term Nopalitos refers to the pads once they are cut up and prepared for eating. There are two food crops derived from the prickly pear cactus. One is the "nopalitos" which are the cactus pads and the other crop is the prickly "pear" or fruit of the cactus. Nopales are eaten grilled or steamed, warm or in salads.Read more about nopalitos including uses, history, how to prepare
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Favorite Nopales Recipes

  • Frijoles Cacahuate Con Chorizo Y Nopales
    Frijoles Cacahuate Con Chorizo Y Nopales (cranberry/borlotti beans) are combined with flavorful Mexican chorizo, onion, garlic, oyster mushrooms and seasonings. Topped with roasted cactus paddles and green onions.
  • John's Cactus Salsa
    This recipe for John's Cactus Salsa is made with fresh nopales, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeno's, garlic, onion, 3 kinds of beans, cilantro and olive oil. This is a pretty salsa you can serve with tortilla chips or use it atop your tacos.
  • Nopalitos Tacos (Tacos de Nopalitos)
    Simple Nopalitos Tacos (Tacos de Nopalitos) tacos made with potato, refried beans and nopalitos (cactus) strips. The tacos include a mixture of red bell pepper, onion, spices, potato, tomatoes and pickled jalapenos.

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