Nopalitos con Huevos

Nopales con huevos is a classic Mexican dish made with prickly pear cactus and scrambled eggs. Packed with protein and amazing health benefits, it’s a nutritious and delicious breakfast you’ll love waking up to! 

I am not really big on vegetables as I should be and if it weren’t for my food blogging, these nutrient powerhouses won’t even figure in my daily diet. But boy, do I love nopales! Mondays to Fridays on my way to work, I pass by without fail at my favorite Mexican restaurant to order their $4.95 daily special of nopalitos con huevos with Spanish rice and refried beans.

And as if Mondays to Fridays are not enough, I always keep a paddle or two of this prickly pear cactus to enjoy as a fresh salad dip for tortilla chips or as meatless filling for tacos.

Nopales are a relatively cheap vegetable option with a hefty cactus paddle enough to comfortably serve a family of four at around $2. They are, however, a little tricky to prepare what with the outside skin peppered with nubs and spines. Please make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands,  the pointy spines can be rather painful!

If you want prefer not to wrangle with the fresh variety, they’re available bottled, canned or already trimmed and cut in bags at most Mexican supermarkets.

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Nopalitos con Huevos

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

Nopales con huevos is a classic Mexican dish made with prickly pear cactus and scrambled eggs. Packed with protein and amazing nutrients, it's a nutritious and delicious breakfast you'll love waking up to!

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 100 kcal

Author: Lalaine

Ingredients

• 2 Nopales pads
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 small onion, peeled and chopped
• 4 eggs, beaten
• pepper to taste
• cilantro, chopped
• corn or flour tortillas

Instructions

1. Using a small paring knife, clean the cactus paddles by scraping thorns or spines from both sides. Trim off the edges and any blemished or discolored areas. Wash well with cold water. 

2. Cut the paddle lengthwise into half-inch thick strips and then cut crosswise into 1 to 1 1/2-inch lengths.

3. In a saucepot over medium heat, combine garlic, about 1 teaspoon of salt, and enough water to cover nopales. Bring to a boil. 

4. Add nopales and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until nopales have changed color and are tender yet crisp. 

5. Drain nopales and rinse well under very cold water. Rinse again as needed to rid of mucilage.

6. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until softened.  

7. Add nopales and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.

8.  Add eggs and cook, stirring regularly, until eggs are set but still slightly wet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. . Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with warm tortillas.

Nutrition Facts

Nopalitos con Huevos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 100 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g 11%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 163mg 54%

Sodium 63mg 3%

Potassium 80mg 2%

Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%

Protein 5g 10%

Vitamin A 5%

Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 3%

Iron 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.