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Authentic Mexican Nopales

Authentic Mexican Nopales Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh nopales (cactus paddles), spines removed, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 small white onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
  2. Add the diced nopales, spread into an even layer, and let them sear for 2 minutes without stirring. Stir in the garlic and salt, then cook for about 8 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until the nopales are tender with a slight crisp bite.
  3. Fold in the diced tomato and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle the cilantro over the top, and spoon into a serving bowl.

Notes

If you use jarred nopales, drain and rinse thoroughly and reduce the cook time to about 5 minutes. The dish can be made up to a day ahead and reheated gently; the flavors actually deepen overnight.