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...
Cream of Celery Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
This one-pot recipe is the perfect meal on a cold day or alongside a salad as a satisfying summer lunch.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Taco Seasoning
Taco Seasoning
A 5-minute make-ahead recipe filled with the perfect spices for taco night.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Brocco Poppers
Brocco Poppers
A fun and unique way to add more veggies to your day. A tasty snack or appetizer!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
20 pieces
Banana Berry Smoothie
Banana Berry Smoothie
An on-the-go breakfast or snack made with creamy banana, sweet berries and refreshing orange juice!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
A unique and flavorful spin on flavored water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
Make a quick and tasty frozen treat that kids of all ages will love!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
9 popsicles
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.