Stuffed Nopales: A Delicious Mexican Recipe

Nopales, or prickly pear pads, are a culinary treasure of Mexico, offering a unique texture and slightly tangy flavor. Often overlooked in international cuisine, nopales deserve a place of honor on your table. This recipe for Stuffed Nopales elevates this humble ingredient to a delicious and satisfying main course. Forget bland side dishes – prepare yourself for a fiesta of flavors bursting with savory goodness. We’ll guide you through preparing the nopales, creating a flavorful filling, and assembling these delightful parcels.

This recipe offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican flavors, combining the slightly sweet and succulent nopales with a rich and hearty filling. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Ready to experience the magic of stuffed nopales? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Aluminum foil
  • Comal (or griddle)
  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Nopales (cactus pads)
  • Panela cheese (or fresh cheese)
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Onion
  • Jalapeño pepper
  • Epazote leaves
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Olive oil
  • Green chiles
  • Green tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Corn tortillas
  • Refried beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Season the Nopales

  • Wash and remove any thorns. Slice them into thick pieces.
  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Prepare the nopales: Wash and remove any thorns. Slice them into thick pieces.Season the nopales: In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Prepare and Season the Nopales

Step 2. Assemble and Cook the Stuffed Nopales

  • Place a nopal slice on aluminum foil. Add a splash of oil and spread. Season with the prepared spice mixture. Top with a slice of cheese, tomato slices, onion rings, and jalapeño rings. Season again with the spice mixture. Add epazote leaves.
  • Fold the aluminum foil to create a sealed packet.
  • Heat a comal or griddle over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Place the nopales packets on the comal and cook for 8-9 minutes per side (or 11-12 minutes if nopales are thick).
Assemble the nopales: Place a nopal slice on aluminum foil. Add a splash of oil and spread. Season with the prepared spice mixture. Top with a slice of cheese, tomato slices, onion rings, and jalapeño rings. Season again with the spice mixture. Add epazote leaves.Wrap the nopales: Fold the aluminum foil to create a sealed packet.
Assemble and Cook the Stuffed Nopales

Step 3. Prepare the Salsas

  • Cook green chiles and tomatoes with onion and garlic until tomatoes are a medium yellow color. Blend with cilantro, salt, and water (if desired).
  • Roast tomatoes, garlic, onion, and serrano peppers on a hot griddle until softened. Blend with salt.
Prepare the green salsa: Cook green chiles and tomatoes with onion and garlic until tomatoes are a medium yellow color. Blend with cilantro, salt, and water (if desired).Prepare the roasted red salsa: Roast tomatoes, garlic, onion, and serrano peppers on a hot griddle until softened. Blend with salt.
Prepare the Salsas

Step 4. Serve the Stuffed Nopales

  • Serve the cooked nopales with green salsa (topped with avocado and onion), roasted red salsa, warm corn tortillas, refried beans, and cilantro.
Serve: Serve the cooked nopales with green salsa (topped with avocado and onion), roasted red salsa, warm corn tortillas, refried beans, and cilantro.
Serve the Stuffed Nopales

Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel

Tips

  • Cover the comal with aluminum foil to prevent splattering.
  • Taste the cheese and adjust salt accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 250-350
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbs: 30-40g
  • Protein: 8-12g

FAQs

1. Can I use canned nopales instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain them well before using. The texture might be slightly softer than fresh nopales.

2. What can I substitute for the cheese?

Feel free to experiment! Cotija, queso fresco, or even Monterey Jack would be delicious substitutes. You can also omit the cheese entirely for a vegetarian option.


So there you have it – a vibrant and flavorful Stuffed Nopales dish ready to impress your friends and family. This recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of nopales, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Enjoy the unique taste and satisfying experience of this authentic Mexican delight!