Carne de puerco con nopales (pork meat with cactus)

nopales

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: green beans

Zucchini is lower in calories and maintains a similar texture.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken thighs are leaner and less expensive.

Prepare the ingredients: rinse and drain 15 ounces of nopales.

Heat 1 tablespoon of manteca de cerdo (or oil) in a pot over medium-high heat.

Add the rinsed nopales to the pot and sauté for a few minutes.

In a separate pot, add 1 Roma tomato, 1 piece of onion, and 2 jalapeños with 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes to soften.

After 5 minutes, blend the boiled ingredients until smooth.

In the pot with the nopales, add the blended sauce along with 1/4 cup of cilantro and 3 small garlic cloves.

Season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and ground cloves to taste.

Cover and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Check for seasoning and adjust salt if necessary, adding about 1 teaspoon of salt if needed.

After about 10 minutes, the dish is ready to serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: