Canned or fresh cactus is combined with tomatoes, garlic and quinoa for a simple and satisfying side dish.
      
                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.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- 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 Victor Villegas and the OSU Extension Latin Heritage Workgroup for this recipe.
You might also like...
      Blueberry Crisp
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Blueberry Crisp
Blueberries are the star in this low-sugar dessert made with whole-grain oats and warm cinnamon spice.
      
                  Prepare:
                
                5 minutes
              
                  Cook:
                
                30 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                2 cups
              
      Banana Bobs
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Banana Bobs
Easy snack or dessert with creamy yogurt, banana and whole-grain oats. A fun and creative recipe for kids! 
      
                  Prepare:
                
                5 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                2 Servings
              
      Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup
Make your own noodles for this comforting soup.
      
                  Prepare:
                
                30 minutes
              
                  Cook:
                
                30 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                10 cups
              
      Honey Mustard Dressing
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Honey Mustard Dressing
This homemade yogurt-based honey mustard dressing is sweet and tangy!
      
                  Prepare:
                
                5 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                12 tablespoons
              
      Bread Pudding in the Microwave
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Bread Pudding in the Microwave
A quick and easy breakfast, snack or dessert recipe that combines warm cinnamon, whole-grain bread and sweet raisins.
      
                  Prepare:
                
                5 minutes
              
                  Cook:
                
                10 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                3 cups
              
      Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish
        
  
             
      
        
            
              
            
        
    
     
      Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish
Add more fish to your meals with this easy and healthy battered white fish with parmesan and herbs. 
      
                  Prepare:
                
                20 minutes
              
                  Cook:
                
                15 minutes
              
                  Makes:
                
                8 Servings
               
 
 
                   
                  
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.