These Tacos with Nopal Filling bring a delightful taste of Mexico to your table. With a mixture of savory ingredients and the unique texture of nopales (cactus paddles), these tacos are both nutritious and flavorful.
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Ingredients
corn tortillas15
large nopales, cut into thin strips5
medium onion, chopped1
cloves of garlic2- large whole onion1
Oregano
Heavy cream- Fresh cheese (queso fresco), grated
Tomato sauce- Salt to taste
Oil
How to make Tacos with Nopal Filling
- Step 1
Begin by cooking the nopales in a saucepan with water, a little salt, the whole onion, and the garlic cloves.
- Step 2
Boil until the nopales are tender. Remove them from the water, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Step 3
In a frying pan, heat a little oil and sauté the chopped garlic and medium onion.
- Step 4
Add the nopales strips, season with salt and oregano, and cook until lightly golden.
- Step 5
In a separate pan, heat a little oil and fry the tortillas on both sides until golden and crispy. Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
- Step 6
Fill each tortilla with the nopales mixture, pressing them gently so they stay closed.
- Step 7
Arrange the filled tortillas in a dish and top with tomato sauce, heavy cream, and grated queso fresco.
- Step 8
Serve the nopales tacos immediately, or place them in a hot oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Rinse the cooked nopales well under cold water to reduce their natural slimy texture before sautéing.
Lightly pan-fry the tortillas just until golden to keep them crisp but flexible enough to fold.
FAQS
How do I reduce the slime in nopales?
Rinse the nopales thoroughly before cooking to remove some of the mucilage.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred.
How should I store leftover filling?
Store any leftover filling separately from the tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with these tacos?
Pair with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the nopales filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to **3 **days. Fry the tortillas and assemble the tacos just before serving for the best texture.
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