Try these delicious dishes using cactus paddles
What's the story
Cactus paddles, also popularly known as nopales, are the most versatile ingredient in a myriad of cuisines. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, making them an incredibly nutritious addition to your meals. With their unique texture and mildly tangy flavor, cactus paddles can be added to some amazing dishes. Here are some incredible ways you can add cactus paddles into your cooking routine.
Fresh flavors
Grilled cactus salad
Grilled nopales salad is a refreshing dish that marries the smoky taste of grilled cactus with fresh veggies. For this salad, grill the cactus paddles until tender and slightly charred. Slice them into strips and mix with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty dressing. This salad can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
Flavorful filling
Nopales tacos
Nopales tacos are an exciting twist on traditional tacos with cactus paddles as the main filling. Saute sliced nopales with onions and garlic until tender. Toss in some spices like cumin and chili powder for added flavor. Serve the mixture in corn tortillas garnished with avocado slices and salsa for an authentic taste experience.
Quick cooking
Cactus stir-fry
Cactus stir-fry is an easy-to-make dish that highlights the best in nopales' texture. Simply slice the cactus paddles into thin strips and stir-fry them with bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein substitute like tofu or paneer, if desired. Season with soy sauce or tamari for added depth of flavor.
Comforting warmth
Nopalitos soup
Nopalitos soup is a comforting option perfect for cooler days when you want something warm yet nutritious at once. Start by simmering diced tomatoes along with vegetable broth before adding chopped nopalitos (cooked beforehand) along with other vegetables such as zucchini or carrots if you prefer. Seasonings include oregano and cumin, which beautifully well together here too, enhance the overall taste profile.
Tangy twist
Pickled nopales
Pickled nopales provide an interesting way to preserve these delicious ingredients, lending tanginess through pickling itself. Just slice up raw nopal pieces, then soak them in a vinegar solution with spices like coriander seeds and bay leaves, etc. Let sit overnight so the flavors meld nicely together, and you have a deliciously tangy treat ready for next day consumption straight from the jar itself.