"Nopales" is the Spanish word for the pads of the prickly pear cactus. For centuries, Mexicans have enjoyed both the pads of the cactus and the fruits in a variety of dishes.Today, you can enjoy nopales in sorbet, salad, or even grilled and placed on a burger. Nopales are available in Texas and New Mexico in farmer's markets, grocery stores and even growing wild along the side of the road. This savory treat requires some preparation to peel, but the flavor is well worth your effort.
Step 1
Fill your sink or a basin with cool water and put on your gloves.
Step 2
Soak the nopales for five minutes in cool water. This will loosen the spines and make it easier for you to peel them.
Step 3
Pull out as many of the spines as you can with your gloved fingers, or use a nopalitos scraper to remove them.
Step 4
Cut off any black or bruised-looking areas with your paring knife.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy gloves
- Cool water
- Nopales scraper (optional)
- Paring knife
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