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Nopales," the edible cactus also called "Prickly Pear," is a popular treat in Mexico and the American Southwest. Its juicy texture and distinctive flavor make great salads, jellies and even candy. Cactus pickles are another delicious preparation and many restaurants serve them as a side dish or accent. When you pickle cactus, you can add your own sweet, sour or spicy twist to basic recipes like the one below.
Instructions
1. Harvest or buy one pound of fresh "Nopales," cactus leaves, which are also called "paddles." Select thin, shiny, unwrinkled green leaves that are 5 to 6 inches long.
2. Clean the cactus leaves with a scrub pad to remove all nubs and the fine spines.
3. Peel the cactus leaves and cut them into sticks. The sticks should be about the size and shape of French fries.
4. Bring a pot of water to boil.
5. Put the cactus pieces into the water and boil them for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are tender. You can test them with a fork as needed.
6. Drain and cool the cactus pieces.
7. Chop jalapeno, onion and tomato.
8. Combine the cactus with the chopped vegetables in the covered container.
9. Mix ? cup of white vinegar with ? cup of sugar in the cooking pot. Stir the mixture as you bring it to a boil.
10. Pour the vinegar and sugar mixture over the vegetables in the covered container.
11. Sprinkle salt liberally over the mix of vegetables.
12. Cover the container and refrigerate the cactus pickles for 3 to 4 hours or until it is completely cool.
Tags: cactus leaves, also called, cactus pieces, covered container, over vegetables