Nopalitos/nopales

[acerbicacid]

Hi, I have just stocked up with some things from an on-line Mexican grocers, and saw the magic word "sale" so had a quick look and found they were selling jars of these, they had either ones already cut into strips or whole ones. I have bought the whole ones.

Only problem - I don't know what to do with them now - I like trying new things (especially when they are reduced ) I don't think I have ever tasted them so I'd be grateful for any help please and maybe a recipe - thanks.

 

[Snip 13]

Nopales (cactus leaves) are great with eggs! I like frying some chopped onion, tomato, bacon and chillies. Add to soft scrambled eggs and top with grated cheddar Yum!
If you cut them into thin strips and add to salad they taste good too or even add them to tacos. You can eat them in casseroles too, they thicken the sauce.

 

[Steve Kroll]

I love nopales in black bean chili.

 

[silentmeow]

I chop them and add them to bean dips. They add a nice flavor and texture!

 

[PrincessFiona60]

You will want to rinse the brine off before using them and drain well. They are ready to eat as is or sliced, chopped and stirred/tossed into just about anything.

 

[CWS4322]

Thanks--I have a jar in my pantry and have been thinking a black bean pork chili with them added would be interesting.

 

[JanaAZ]

I've only bought them fresh. I probably don't cook them right, because they are always very slimy for me. I'll be looking forward to hearing how the bottled ones come out.

 

[Snip 13]

I've only bought them fresh. I probably don't cook them right, because they are always very slimy for me. I'll be looking forward to hearing how the bottled ones come out.

Try buying the younger cactus pads, they have less sap. Boiling twice also removes most of the unpleasant texture. An old Mexican remedy to this the sap is to boil the nopales with a copper coin to thin the sap.
They can also be grilled. The pickles ones do have a better texture.

 

[acerbicacid]

Wow - thank you all so much, I am now looking forward to trying them, I was beginning to wonder if buying them had been a mistake.

Can't wait to get cooking now - thanks again.