Nopalitoswings Recipes

WARM NOPALITOS WITH SAUTEED CORN AND GUAJILLO

Steps:

• Heat two tablespoons of the oil in a large heavy skillet (that has a lid) over medium-high heat. Add the diced nopales, sprinkle the salt and stir for a minute or two. Place the lid on, reduce the heat to medium and let the nopales cook and sweat for about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice. They will have exuded a gelatinous liquid that will begin to dry out. Take off the lid, stir and make sure most of the liquid has dried up; if it hasn't, let them cook for a couple more minutes until it does.
• Pour in the third tablespoon of oil, mix with the nopales and incorporate the garlic, chopped onion, guajillo chiles and corn. Mix well and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Squeeze in a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, mix and place the lid back on. Let the nopales cook for another 3 to 4 minutes and turn off the heat. Taste for salt and add more if need be.
• If you have any leftovers, they make a wonderful filling for quesadillas.

NOPALITOS WINGS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients (except the wings) in a blender or a food processor and puree until it has reached a sauce like consistency.
• Set some marinade aside (or make extra) to brush on while grilling.
• Place chicken wings and marinade in a large sealable bag and try to get all the air out.
• Refrigerate for 4-24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
• Remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes while heating the grill.
• Grill over medium-high heat, flipping frequently and brushing with the marinade for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. During the last 5 minutes of grilling do not brush on any more marinade to make sure all the juices cook through.

NOPALITOS WITH TOMATOES AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan) in a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add red onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for a minute, stirring occasionally.
• Add the nopalitos, then the tomatoes: Add the nopalitos. Cook for several more minutes. Then add the chopped tomato. Continue to cook until all vegetables are cooked through.
• Season, then serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

NOPALITOS CON CHILI (CACTUS)

Steps:

• Wash nopalitos, watch for small thorns, use potato peeler to smooth over and remove sprouting thorns. Cut nopalitos into small cubes, wash again, drain. Set aside.
• Brown steak in oil after you have cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Use large skillet. Remove cubes with slotted spoon as they brown. Add onions, green peppers and garlic; saute stirring often, until tender. Add nopalitos to mixture, cook 3 minutes. Sprinkle chili powder over mixture; cook and stir one minute.
• Return meat to skillet; add tomatoes, water, salt and oregano; bring to boiling. Lower heat; cover; simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Drain beans, reserving about half the liquid. Add beans and reserved liquid to skillet; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.

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.