Nopales is a cacti native to Mexico desert region and finds its way into many of their cuisine. It is available in the local stores here in the chopped form which makes it convenient to cook. Tried an Indian recipe with it. It is very similar to Okra (Indian ladies finger) for it's slimy texture.
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/nopales.html
Ingredients
Nopales - 1 cup(chopped)
Onions - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Tomato. - 1 small (chopped)
Asoefatida. - a small pinch
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Water. - 3/4 cup or as needed
Salt. - as needed
Oil - 2 tsp
To grind:
Yogurt/curd - 1/2 - 3/4 cup
Mint - 4-6 leaves(homegrown)
Green chillies - 1
Cumin(jeera). - 1/2 tsp
To temper:
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Jeera. - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves. - 3-5 leaves
Heat a pan, I did mine in a pressure cooker.
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/nopales.html
Ingredients
Nopales - 1 cup(chopped)
Onions - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Tomato. - 1 small (chopped)
Asoefatida. - a small pinch
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Water. - 3/4 cup or as needed
Salt. - as needed
Oil - 2 tsp
To grind:
Yogurt/curd - 1/2 - 3/4 cup
Mint - 4-6 leaves(homegrown)
Green chillies - 1
Cumin(jeera). - 1/2 tsp
To temper:
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Jeera. - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves. - 3-5 leaves
 |
| Store bought Nopales |
Add 1 tsp oil of choice, once hot add mustard seeds and jeera. Add the chopped onions once the mustard seeds splutter and saute well.
Now add the Nopales and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and let them blend well for a few minutes. Add the salt and water and close the pressure cooker lid. Let it cook for 2 whistles. Switch off and let it rest until the pressure comes down. In the meantime grind the ingredients to a smooth paste.
Once the pressure is released from the cooker add the ground ingredients and let it simmer in low heat for about 5 minutes and switch off. It can be served with rice, noodles or Indian bread.
Tips:
1. Green chillies can be replaced with red chillies.
2.Yogurt can be replaced with fresh coconut or coconut flour or a handful of almonds.
3. Any other veggies like chopped zucchini/radish can be added.
4. If you are cooking on regular pan/pot close the lid and let it cook until well done, simmer and add ground ingredients.
My inspiration to cook in the pressure cooker was the OPOS (one pot one shot) method of cooking.
5. You can use coriander/cilantro leaves instead of mint leaves.
Now add the Nopales and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and let them blend well for a few minutes. Add the salt and water and close the pressure cooker lid. Let it cook for 2 whistles. Switch off and let it rest until the pressure comes down. In the meantime grind the ingredients to a smooth paste.
Once the pressure is released from the cooker add the ground ingredients and let it simmer in low heat for about 5 minutes and switch off. It can be served with rice, noodles or Indian bread.
 |
| Gravy ready to serve |
Tips:
1. Green chillies can be replaced with red chillies.
2.Yogurt can be replaced with fresh coconut or coconut flour or a handful of almonds.
3. Any other veggies like chopped zucchini/radish can be added.
4. If you are cooking on regular pan/pot close the lid and let it cook until well done, simmer and add ground ingredients.
My inspiration to cook in the pressure cooker was the OPOS (one pot one shot) method of cooking.
5. You can use coriander/cilantro leaves instead of mint leaves.
