Have you ever eaten a cactus? It may seem too exotic or even scary to even think about eating a cactus, but it’s actually a delicious and healthy food. This is one way we eat cactus in Mexico!
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The other day, I helped my mom whip up a delicious, full-course meal that included one thorny cactus dish. Our challenge was to feed our whole family plus five unexpected guests. Unexpected, as in unannounced. Because showing up at somebody’s place for dinner when nobody is expecting you is completely normal in Mexico. Yes, really.
Where can you find an edible cactus?
One of the most typical foods in Mexico is the nopal cactus. These are grown in large-scale farms, but also pop up like an unannounced guest in almost any random field. You can just cut off a bunch of thorny pads and you’re ready to start cooking! Or you might die from the thorns ripping you apart. Anything is possible.
Unfortunately, the nopal cactus is rare outside of Mexico. In any other country, it’s sold only in specialty stores and markets.
Why eat a cactus?
But why would anyone risk their life to eat one of those prickly, spiky things?
First, because they are a juicy, meaty, tasty, filling, low-calorie vegetable.
Second, because they are full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, and also boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and have cancer-fighting properties.
Finally, because you can have them roasted, boiled, pickled, or in eggs, tacos, soups, stews, juices, or salads. You can cook pretty much anything with a nopal cactus!
From all these options, Mom decided we should make a salad as a quick and easy side dish for our numerous guests.
How to cook a cactus
If you want to cook a cactus, the first thing is to do is go to the farmer´s market and buy some fresh cactus pads. Then, have the very skilled vendor scrape off the thorns with a knife. Do not ever try to do this yourself unless you want your hands to become pin cushions. I cannot stress this enough!
After that, a thornless cactus pad is completely safe to touch and cook. This is what it looks like.
Next, dice the cactus and throw it all into a copper pot with some water and onion slices. Don’t have a copper pot? Just throw in a random piece of copper. No, you won’t get poisoned. The copper actually keeps the cactus looking green after you cook it. Otherwise, it turns a dull gray color, and that’s not appetizing at all.
Leave the cactus to simmer for about 40 minutes. Then, drain and let cool.
Finally, throw it in a salad bowl and season it with salt and oregano. Add diced onion, sliced tomatoes, and even chunks of queso fresco and avocado slices. Drizzle with olive oil and that’s it. Your cactus salad is ready!
A cactus salad makes a great side dish for meat, chicken or whatever else you have in mind. You can eat it as it is or with warm tortillas. It’s also great with black beans or guacamole. Basically, a cactus salad is like a good pair of jeans- it goes with anything!
And yes, dinner was a success! Even the unexpected guests found it delicious and promised to return unannounced again soon. There is no greater compliment for a Mexican cook!
Perhaps you are wondering about the rest of the menu, but that is a whole other story. See you in my next post!
Yummmm! It looks good and it fascinates me!
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It’s really yummy and easy to cook! You must try it one day 🙂
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Reblogged this on Aquaberry Bliss and commented:
Have you ever eaten cactus? I’ve tried it once before and the thorns and sheer alien-quality of the meal made it hard to enjoy. Luckily, this great article shares tips for eating cactus and surviving the process. I’ll have to try cactus again!
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It looks really nice, even though I’ve never considered a cactus to be edible! Learn something new everyday 🙂
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Yes! The nopal cactus is a staple of Mexican cuisine 🙂
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Your title “not die trying” fits the reason why I haven’t tried this yet. They are all over our parts and I’ve heard so much about it – but been poked so many times, not so sure. I see you have “vendors” to help you whereas I would have to venture into danger-danger. It all sounds tasty and healthful though. FYI – I reblog posts to My Difference blog page for my future reference. Eagerly awaiting your next post!
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Cactus is delicious! You just need a skilled person to remove the thorns. New post is cooking now 🙂
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The first time I ate cactus was when we ordered the molcajete de mariscos dish. The grilled cactus in that dish was just delicious. I fell in love with it that first time trying!!!!! It really is a good stuff !!
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It really is!! I’m glad you liked it 🙂
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Looks great but sounds horrifying. I just imagine thorns, thorns, and more thorns. I’ve never had cactus; can you compare its taste to anything?
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Hmmmm….well, I’m not sure, but it’s a veggie, maybe it tastes a bit like eggplant?…..I don’t know. You would have to try it!!
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So grateful for the connection! I mentioned you, specifically this post in my most recent blog post! http://mydesertlove.com/2015/09/five-reasons-for-prickly-pear-passion/
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Wow! Thanks 🙂 I’ll check it out
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This looks fantastic, i am from Europe so I do not know if they are selling cactus somewhere around here, but i would really like to try this 🙂
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Hmmm, well I have no idea if cactus is sold in Europe! I should do reasearch on that one
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Yummy.
Haha
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It’s actually very yummy 🙂 It’s the truth! lol
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I’ve only ever tried these once and I ended up with a slimy mess. Obviously I did something wrong. They continue to intrigue me though, so I’ll have to try again.
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