Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 My friend and I visited the new Mexican Market that just opened and I purchased a bottle of pickled Nopalitos but I want to be brave enough to fix the *fresh* ones. Is there anyone in the group that can explain the process to me? Deanna in Colorado Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 Ideally, you can find already de spined and cut cactus in the same market or they may be able to order it for you in 1 pound plastic bags. If not, you will need pliers and gloves to de spine the cactus leaves. Make sure to wash them well after removing the spines to remove the little pokies (I don't know what they are actually called) which reside on the spines and may fall off onto the cactus leaves in the de spining process. Cut the cactus into 1/2 " X 1/4 " pieces and boil for about 25 minutes in a sauce pan with a dash of lemon juice so the cactus does not discolor during cooking. Use within a day or so or it will get slimy. Grant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 We always removed the skin to take care of the hairy pokeys. Pamela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 Deanna, the tricky part is to remove the spines (thorns). You have to do it carefully to avoid pricking your fingers, perhaps use gloves? I do it without. After removing all the thorns, wash the paddles and cut in strips about the size of fresh green beans. I have not pickled them myself, just cook them in olive oil, some onions, garlic, fresh chopped cilantro, maybe a little lime juice, salt, and of course, i would add jalapenos, but that is optional. Roseta , " genny_y2k " <genny_y2k wrote: > > My friend and I visited the new Mexican Market that just opened and I purchased a bottle of pickled Nopalitos but I want to be brave enough to fix the *fresh* ones. > Is there anyone in the group that can explain the process to me? > Deanna in Colorado > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 I've never done nopales, but this is how we get the fuzzy little spines off prickly pears: 1. Open up a coat hanger like you do for roasting marshmallows, or get a long metal skewer of some sort. 2. Pour some rubbing alcohol into a disposable pie tin (do this outside), and light the alcohol CAREFULLY with one of those long fireplace lighters. 3. Spear a prickly pear fruit throught the middle and wave it slowly just over the flames, turning it to get all over. Don't stick the fruit in the flames. One or two passes should do the trick- you don't want to cook them, just burn off the prickles. 4. Wash thoroughly! NIF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2009 Report Share Posted November 4, 2009 Hi, I'm new to the group and wanted to put my $0.02 worth in on this one! There is a type of prickly pear cactus that doesn't have any spines at all. You can carry it in your hands and not get any of those nasty little glocchids (hairy like spines) in your skin. I have a piece of it that isn't big enough to cut any pads off yet, and I see it growing in my part of town a lot. If you can't find it, you can also burn the spines off - that's what cattlemen do when they want to let their cattle eat it. Elizabeth in Houston Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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