Eating Cactus 7 Vegan Ways
When it comes to eating Mexican food you can not skimp on Cactus. Cactus or Nopales in Spanish are Mexico’s Native Superfoods. In this post I will show you how effortless it is to prepare them. From cooking them to eating them straight out of the jar cactus will surely full-fill your appetite.
Benefits of eating cactus
Not only are Cactus loaded with vitamins but they are also good for gut health. From Calcium to Magnesium to providing energy. And they can also thrive in the dessert. It’s pocket friendly and with just one thirty ounce jar you can make ten servings. Remember to scroll all the way down for 5 more ways to prepare cactus. Let’s begin shall we!
Nopales con Huevo Vegano aka Cactus with Vegan Egg
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Pan
- Spatula
- Colander
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Cactus cut in small cubes
- 1 Cup Just Egg
- 1 Tablespoon Neutral Cooking Oil optional
- 2 Pinches Kaala Namak Salt optional
Optional Toppings
- 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 6 Slices Bread optional
- 1/2 Cup Refried Beans optional
Instructions
- Using a colander drain half of the jar of cactus to get rid of the liquid.
- Line your ingredients for easy access.
- Place your pan on the stove on medium to high heat, if using oil add the oil to the pan and let it heat up.
- Pan fry your cactus for 5 minutes moving around every minute or so.
- Add 1 cup of Just Egg mixture and pan fry 5 more minutes.
- Add 2 pinches of your black salt and move your cactus and Just Egg mixture around gently.
- Serve as desired. I served mine on toast smeared with refried pinto beans and topped with some red pepper flakes.
- Don't like using Just Egg? You can also make this with Tofu Scramble.
Notes
2. Cactus for Brunch.
3. Mummy Tostadas with Cactus
4. Tofu Scramble with Cactus.
5. Drunken Tostadas with Cactus
6. Cactus Broad Bean Soup
7. Cactus Fish-less Salad
I hope you enjoyed today’s recipe make sure to check out the 6 additional recipes on my Instagram page for even more ideas on how to prepare cactus.
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Something I must try! I am all about trying new recipes and unique foods. Thanks!
I’ve always wanted to try cactus but just haven’t yet. It sounds easy enough to prepare so idk what I’m waiting for! Thanks for all of the recipe ideas!!
This is fantastic! I live on a natural steep hillside where wild cactus grow all around my house. I have been wondering how to use these little plants in cooking. Your response a couple comments before was really helpful (how to prepare fresh cactus). Thanks so much!
Hope you give them a try on one of the many awesome breads you share with us. Yummy.
Okay, I’m from Wisconsin and I had no idea you can eat cactus?! Great ideas to incorporate it. I’d be so curious to try it some time!
Wisconsin the king of cheese. To try them is a must Arica. In traditional cuisine people make them with shrimp or pork in a hot or mild sauce. My favorite way of making them is in salads or tostadas or with the vegan egg. Thank you for stopping by.
So interesting…I also grew up in Arizona like another reader but never really ate much cactus except the fruit. This sounds delicious so now I need to try it!
Yes you have to try them. They can be found in big box stores usually in the Mexican section. Let me know how they turn out.
I tried nopales when I visited Mexico and I love them so much. They are nice in salads, as well as in juices. These 8 recipes are great to try. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sabine for stopping by glad you got to try them.
I live in Arizona. We have so many cactus plants here; we even have some in our yard. And I see them on sale at the store, but I’ve never made them at home. I love that they’re so healthy for you. I think it’s time for me to make them at home. I’m going to use your amazing recipe. Thank you so much for the tips.
HI Colette they are even better make from scratch. If you do make them make sure to remove the stickers and simmer them in hot water with salt for atleast 25 minutes. Alternatively some people also consume them raw after rinsing and removing the stickers.
I’ve never had cactus before but your toast looks so good! Do you know if cactus is available in most grocery stores? I’d love to try it!
Hi Kalin it is available in most big box stores. If you have like a Michoacana near usually they even carry them by the pound, raw and in bags. If not the jar ones work just as great.