Canned or fresh cactus is combined with tomatoes, garlic and quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal.
Quinoa with Cactus
Ingredients
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
½ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup diced tomatoes (2 to 3 medium)
1 cup water
1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
½ cup diced nopalitos, or cactus (canned and rinsed or fresh; see Notes)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and salt. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add water and quinoa. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat. Cover the pan and simmer 10 minutes, or until liquid is almost absorbed.
- Stir in nopalitos, cover the pan and reduce heat to low for a few more minutes, until all liquid is absorbed.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Enjoy as a side with beans, chicken, fish, beef or eggs.
- No fresh tomatoes? Use 1 cup canned diced tomatoes. Omit salt if canned tomatoes contain salt.
- Add any extra nopalitos to salads with avocado, onion, tomato, cucumber, pepper and cilantro. They also add a bright flavor to scrambled eggs or rice.
- To use fresh cactus: Choose paddles that are bright green and soft, but not limp. To protect your hands, wear gloves while cleaning the nopalitos. Rinse under cold water, being careful not to prick your fingers. Remove the spines with a vegetable peeler or knife. Trim away about ¼ inch of the edges and ½ inch of the thick base. Rinse and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put cactus pieces in a saucepan with the stem end of an onion (onion tail) and cover with water. Bring water to a boil and simmer until cactus is soft, about 20 to 25 minutes. Pour into a colander to drain.
Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage Workgroup for this recipe.
You might also like...
Couscous Salad
Couscous Salad
A light and colorful salad combining sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables with couscous pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Stovetop Brown Rice
Stovetop Brown Rice
Nutrient-rich whole grain that can be used in a variety of recipes. Great make-ahead staple.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 to 55 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Banana Oatmeal Bread
Banana Oatmeal Bread
Warm and comforting whole-wheat banana bread that is perfect any time of day. Oats add to the moist texture.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 to 50 minutes
Makes:
12 slices
North African Spice Mix
North African Spice Mix
A warm and fragrant blend of dried herbs and spices for rubbing on beef, lamb, chicken, fish or vegetables, and for seasoning soups, stews and marinades.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Bell Pepper Nachos
Bell Pepper Nachos
A great recipe to get the whole family involved! This unique and healthy take on nachos can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Comments
This recipe is so simple and delicious. It was easy to find a jar of nopalitos in the grocery store near tortillas, salsas and hominy. We loved the flavor and textures of this side dish.