Pork Ribs with Nopales in Puya Chili Sauce Recipe

Prepare for a culinary adventure that blends the richness of succulent pork ribs with the surprising tang of nopales (cactus pads) and the fiery kick of puya chili. This recipe offers a unique fusion of flavors, a captivating dance between smoky, savory pork and the slightly acidic, refreshing bite of nopales. The puya chili sauce, with its vibrant heat and complex aroma, elevates this dish to a truly unforgettable experience. It's a perfect balance of textures and tastes, promising a delightful journey for your palate. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with the unique character of Mexican cuisine.

This recipe seamlessly marries traditional cooking methods with bold, unexpected ingredients. The result is a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly refreshing, perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Ready to embark on this culinary expedition? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Pork Ribs with Nopales in Puya Chili Sauce.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Blender
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • Pork ribs: 800 grams
  • Onion: 1/4
  • Garlic: 3 cloves
  • Allspice: 6
  • Scallions
  • Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chile de árbol: 5
  • Chile puya: 6
  • Nopales: 5 medium
  • Water: 2 cups
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon + to taste
  • Tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Cook the pork ribs with 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the water is consumed and the meat releases its fat.
  • Roast the tomatoes, chiles de árbol, and chiles puya. Let them cool and then blend them with water.
  • Blend the roasted chiles, garlic, and cumin.
Cook the pork ribs with 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the water is consumed and the meat releases its fat.Roast the tomatoes, chiles de árbol, and chiles puya. Let them cool and then blend them with water.Blend the roasted chiles, garlic, and cumin.
Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Pork Ribs and Nopales

  • Steam the nopales with the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, and cumin.
  • Add the steamed nopales to the pork rib mixture. Season with salt to taste and simmer until the nopales are tender.
Steam the nopales with the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, and cumin.Add the steamed nopales to the pork rib mixture. Season with salt to taste and simmer until the nopales are tender.
Cook the Pork Ribs and Nopales

Step 3. Make the Puya Chili Sauce

  • Roast the tomatoes, chiles de árbol, and chiles puya. Let them cool and then blend them with water.
  • Blend the roasted chiles, garlic, and cumin.
Roast the tomatoes, chiles de árbol, and chiles puya. Let them cool and then blend them with water.Blend the roasted chiles, garlic, and cumin.
Make the Puya Chili Sauce

Step 4. Combine and Simmer

  • In a pot, combine the cooked pork ribs, blended chili sauce, chopped onion, and 2 cups of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
  • Add the steamed nopales to the pork rib mixture. Season with salt to taste and simmer until the nopales are tender.
In a pot, combine the cooked pork ribs, blended chili sauce, chopped onion, and 2 cups of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens.Add the steamed nopales to the pork rib mixture. Season with salt to taste and simmer until the nopales are tender.
Combine and Simmer

Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style

Tips

  • Remove the foam from the meat while cooking.
  • Add more water if needed during simmering.
  • Serve with beans or rice.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the puya chilis? I can't find them in my local store.

Yes! Try using a combination of ancho chilis and chipotle chilis in adobo sauce for a similar smoky heat. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

2. How do I prepare the nopales (cactus pads) before cooking?

First, peel off the spines. Then, slice them thinly and boil them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes to remove any bitterness. Drain well before using.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ribs as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are tender.


This Pork Ribs with Nopales in Puya Chili Sauce recipe delivers a bold and unforgettable flavor experience, showcasing a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. The unique combination of tender ribs, refreshing nopales, and fiery chili sauce creates a dish that's both exciting and satisfying. Enjoy this culinary adventure, and don't hesitate to experiment with your own spice levels and ingredient variations!