Nopalitos, or prickly pear pads, are a culinary treasure of Mexican cuisine, boasting a unique flavor and satisfying texture. This vibrant vegetable offers a surprising versatility, lending itself to a multitude of dishes. Today, we're diving into a classic: nopalitos with egg in a vibrant green sauce. This recipe marries the slightly sweet and subtly tart nopalitos with the richness of eggs, all enveloped in a zesty, herbaceous green sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. It's a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option.
This recipe is perfect for those seeking a delicious and authentic taste of Mexico, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe approachable and satisfying. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Blender
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Nopales (cactus paddles): 3 stalks
- Eggs: 7
- Onion: 1/2
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Cilantro: 1 bunch
- Serrano chiles: 2
- Tomatillos: 13
- Cumin powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Nopales and Green Sauce
- Cut nopales into small pieces.
- Cook nopales with 1/2 cup water, 1/2 onion, and 2 tomato peels in a pot over medium heat. The tomato peels help to reduce the slime from the nopales.
- Boil serrano chiles in water for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatillos to the boiling chiles, and cook until they change color (yellow to brown). Do not overcook to avoid bitterness.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Blend the chiles, tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, and a bit of the cooking liquid into a smooth sauce.
- Cook nopales until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
Step 2. Cook the Eggs and Onions
- Beat 7 eggs with salt.
- Fry the eggs in a pan with a little oil.
- In the same pan, fry the chopped 1/2 onion in a little oil until translucent.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked nopales to the pan with the fried onion.
- Add the green sauce to the nopales and onion. Season with salt to taste. Simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add the cooked eggs to the sauce.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with refried beans and corn tortillas.
Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- If your sauce is too thick, add a little water.
- This recipe is easily adaptable; you can adjust the amount of eggs based on your preference and the amount of sauce and nopales.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned nopalitos instead of fresh?
Yes, canned nopalitos work well, but rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium. They might be slightly softer than fresh.
2. What can I substitute for the green sauce if I don't have all the ingredients?
A simple salsa verde from a jar or a store-bought tomatillo salsa would be a great substitute. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
This simple yet flavorful recipe for nopalitos with egg in green sauce is a testament to the beauty of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish as a satisfying meal or a vibrant addition to your brunch spread. Buen provecho!