The Nopal is known for being one of many Mexican symbols but it is also enjoyed as a food in many preparations such as salads, sweets, moles and even bread. Although some people might dislike it due to its viscosity it produces when cut, many others love it because its neutral flavor makes it versatile in combination with other ingredients.

One single person in Mexico consumes around 14 lb of nopales per year, which makes this vegetable an indispensable ingredient in the table. Its consumption provides protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and B, potassium and fiber. 

Like it was mentioned before, nopales can be prepared in many different forms. But one of our favorite ways to cook them is with a homemade salsa. Here we show you how to make an exquisite sauce made with Guajillo and Arbol peppers to mix with your nopales. You can eat this as a side dish or as a main course with a side of delicious Mexican rice. We hope you like it!

Nopales with Guajillo and Arbol

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Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tomatoes (Half for the rice & one for the sauce)

• 1 onion (half for the rice & half for the nopales)

• Tomato seasoning 

• Chicken broth seasoning

• Nopales

• 7 Guajillo chilis

• 1 Arbol Chili

• 1 cup of rice

Directions

1. Remove seeds of your Guajillo and Arbol chiles and boii them in water.

2. Add a tomato to the pot to boil with the peppers. 

3. While they boil and on a separate pan add some oil.

4. Let the oil head up and add a cup of rice. Cook the rice until golden and when done, add half a tomato and half an onion. Add two cups of water and your chicken broth and tomato seasoning (optional and as much as preferred). Let boil for around 10-15 mins. 

5. For the Nopales:

   Put the boiled chilis and tomato on a blender and mix for about 30 sec.

6. On a separate pan add some oil and the sliced onions.

7. After about 5 mins add the nopales and fry for about ten mins.

8. When done, add your sauce and let boil for a little bit.

9. Serve your nopales with a side of rice and enjoy!

Recipe Video