These spicy potato and nopal (cactus paddle) pancakes offer a unique and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast staple. Imagine tender, slightly sweet potato pancakes infused with the subtle earthiness of nopal, all bathed in a vibrant, fiery red chili sauce. This isn't your grandma's pancake recipe; it's a vibrant explosion of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The combination of the slightly crisp pancakes and the tangy, spicy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks.
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure! We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the nopal to creating the perfect red chili sauce, ensuring you achieve perfectly delicious spicy potato and nopal pancakes. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Blender
- Grater
- Strainer
- Pot
- Kitchen paper
Ingredients
- Milk
- Nopales (prickly pear pads): 5
- Potatoes (medium): 3
- Eggs: 3
- Tomatoes: 4
- Onion: 1/2
- Chile de árbol: 3
- Ancho chile: 1
- Puya chiles: 3
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Cheese (your choice)
- Cilantro: 1 teaspoon (powder), a bunch (fresh)
- Mexican oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
- Allspice berries: 4
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spicy Potato Pancakes
- Boil potatoes with peel until well cooked.
- Peel and mash the potatoes until pureed. Add pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add eggs and cheese to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a pan. Form small pancakes from the potato mixture and fry until golden brown.
Step 2. Prepare the Nopal
- Cut the nopales. Boil them in water with salt and onion until tender.
Step 3. Make the Red Chili Sauce
- Toast chiles (chile de árbol, ancho chile, puya chiles).
- Blend toasted chiles, tomatoes, garlic, oregano, allspice, and some water until smooth.
- Strain the sauce.
- Sauté onion until softened. Add the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro and season with salt to taste.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Serve the potato pancakes with the nopal-red chili sauce and tortillas.
Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- Ensure the chiles don't burn while toasting.
- Let the sauce rest after blending to allow the chiles to fully hydrate.
- Adjust the amount of salt and spices to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the nopal?
Yes! Spinach or zucchini would work well as substitutes, offering a similar texture and moisture to the pancakes.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili sauce?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or removing some of the seeds from the chilies before blending. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the heat.
So there you have it – a recipe that’s both exciting and surprisingly simple to execute. These spicy potato and nopal pancakes, drenched in their fiery red chili sauce, are sure to become a new favorite breakfast or brunch dish. Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors and textures!