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Stuffed Nopales Cactush

Stuffed Cactus

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Cacti can be found almost everywhere in the world, but they are mainly used for decorative purposes.
In México, we also eat the young and tender pads from one of the many varieties of cacti. We refer to these edible pads as 'nopales'.
This is one of my favourite recipes to prepare nopales that is both easy and super tasty due to the combination of ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings4 people

Ingredients

  • 8 nopales also referred as cactus pads
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour set aside some extra for coating
  • 250 gr mozzarella cheese substitute with any melty cheese
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the salsa:
  • 4 tomatoes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ white or brown onion
  • ½ cup veggie stock

Instructions

  • To clean the nopales, carefully remove all the thorns and prickles with a knife and cut the edges of the nopal. (If you get clean nopales, skip this step)
    Stuffed Nopales or Cactus
  • Cut along the long side of each cactus, being careful not to reach the other side so it can open like a book.
    Stuffed Nopales or Cactus
  • In a pot, bring about two litres of water to boil and add the nopales with a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of baking soda, boil for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Let it cool down.
    Stuffed Nopales or Cactus
  • For the salsa, char the tomatoes, onion and garlic in a skillet, turning them so that all sides are evenly darkened. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency.
    Stuffed Nopales or Cactus
  • Separate the egg whites from the yolk. Beat the whites until fluffy, and then slowly add the yolk whilst mixing.
    Stuffed Nopales Cactus
  • Fill the nopales with cheese in the middle and pass them through the flour and the egg mixture.
    Stuffed Nopales Cactus
  • Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan, fry the nopales for about two minutes bathing the part that remains upwards with the help of a spoon before turning and then leaving for another 2 minutes or until it is golden brown.
    Stuffed Nopales Cactus
  • Serve on a plate and bathe them with the salsa.
    Stuffed Nopales Cactus
  • ¡Buen provecho!
    Stuffed Nopales Cactus