Indian Nopales Salad Recipes

ENSALADA DE NOPALES (CACTUS SALAD)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients except avocado and vegan cheese in a large bowl; toss until evenly mixed.
• Just before serving, add vegan cheese and avocado if desired, stirring gently to mix. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves. Serve with tortilla chips.
• Test Kitchen Tip: Nopales are the tear-shaped leaves of the Opuntia or prickly pear cactus, harvested all year long in warm, dry regions of Mexico. The pads are harvested young and have a delicate, tart flavour and crisp yet slightly chewy texture. The juicy leaves are eaten raw or cooked in a variety of Mexican dishes.

INDIAN NOPALES SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the broiler.
• Lay the bell and poblano peppers on a foil-covered baking sheet. Place them under the flame and roast, turning every few minutes, until the peppers are charred and blistered on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a brown paper bag and seal. Set aside until the peppers are cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, carefully scrape off all the thorns from the nopales with a paring knife or a potato peeler. Shave off the outer edges. Place the nopales in a steamer in a small saucepan and steam them over high heat until they are just tender, about 5 minutes. (This can take more or less time, depending on the size.) They should be fairly soft but not gray and mushy. Remove and set aside to cool. Cut the nopales into thin strips about 2 inches long.
• Place the strips in a bowl with the jicama. Remove the peppers from the bag. Slide the skins off, remove the seeds and ribs and scrape away any blackened sections. Cut the peppers into matchstick-size strips, the same size as the jicama and nopales. Add them to the bowl.
• In another bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano and cumin. Whisk in the lime juice and pour the mixture over the vegetables, tossing to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add more seasoning if desired. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
• Spread the pine nuts on a small baking sheet and roast them until they are barely golden brown, about 5 minutes. Watch them carefully and stir often. Remove and cool.
• To serve, spread the vegetables on a platter. Lay the onion slices on top of them and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.