Cactusfriesnopalitosfritos Recipes

CACTUS FRIES (NOPALITOS FRITOS)

Steps:

• Remove thorns and "eyes" from cactus, and trim off the edges of pads.
• Blanch cactus for 2 minutes in a covered pan with enough boiling salted water to cover; drain.
• Cut cactus in 3- to 4-inch strips similar to French fries; set aside.
• Combine cornstarch and achiote paste in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• In a medium-size bowl, combine flour and baking powder, add cornstarch mixture, and blend well.
• In another bowl, beat egg white to stiff meringue.
• Fold into the flour mixture, alternating with enough ice water to make batter the consistency of unbeaten egg white; chill.
• Dredge cactus strips in batter, and fry in deep hot oil (375° on the thermometer) until crisp and golden, approximately 3 minutes.
• Drain well and serve.

NOPALITOS RANCHEROS

Steps:

• In a saute pan heat the butter and saute the onions. Add the cactus pads and cook for 3 minutes. Add eggs and mix together. Then add your favorite salsa and Cheddar.

NOPALITOS CON PAPAS

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the nopalitos, onion, tomato, and jalapeno. Season to taste with salt, and continue cooking and stirring until the onion has softened and turned translucent, and the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes more.

FRIED CACTUS STRIPS

Steps:

• Remove all needles and spines from cactus pads. Slice into 1/2-in.-wide strips. Wash thoroughly; drain and pat dry. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and milk. Combine the bread and saltine crumbs, chili powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt; set aside. Dredge cactus strips in flour mixture, shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. , In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry strips until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with picante sauce.

CACTUS FRUIT COCKTAILS

Steps:

• Place the prickly pears in a blender and pulse until liquefied. Strain the juice into a small bowl (you should have about 1 cup of juice).
• Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice, add the prickly pear juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar and shake vigorously.
• Pour into glasses filled with ice, rimmed with salt or sugar, if you like. Garnish with lime slices.

TORTILLAS WITH CACTUS AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Season nopales with adobo seasoning. Fold seasoned nopales, Cheddar cheese, and cilantro inside tortillas.
• Place filled tortillas in a medium skillet over medium low heat, and warm until cheese is melted.

CACTUS PADDLE SALAD/RELISH OR ENSALADA DE NOPALITOS

Steps:

• If the cactus is in big chunks dice to 1/2-1/4 inch pieces.
• Toss together with the tomato, onion and cilantro.
• Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
• Serve.