Cactus leaves or cactus pads taste like a cross between a green bean and a green bell pepper.
To use, scrape off any needles with a grater, then peel off the skin.
Cactus pads are great in egg dishes, soups, stews, or salads. They pair well with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
Try grilling the whole leaf!
Ingredients
½ pound bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 (4-ounce) cans green chilies, chopped
1 pound nopales (fresh cactus pads, cleaned of thorns and sliced into ¼-inch strips)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 large tomato, chopped
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Salt
Directions
Fry bacon, remove from pan, and drain.
Pour off most of the bacon drippings, leaving just enough in the pan to sauté the onions and garlic.
When onions are transparent, add chilies, nopalitos, chili powder, and tomato.
Cook for five minutes and stir in eggs. When eggs are scrambled, top with grated cheese and bacon, then serve with tortillas, home-fried potatoes, and refried beans.
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