| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 8g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 7g | 6g | 0.8g |
Like an artist relishing every brush stroke, I simply adore bringing to life dishes that blend the diverse and rich cultures I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. And such is the case with this scrumptious delicacy, the Nopales Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa. This vegetable-based recipe is a beautiful fusion of the deeply-rooted Mexican culinary tradition and the healthy, flavorful ingredients the Pacific Northwest offers. And oh, what a delight it is!
Flavors That Transcend Borders
From the zesty lime to the splendid crunch of fresh nopales, it’s not hard to imagine the joy of biting into these lively tacos. Nopales, or cactus pads, give this dish its unique appeal and refreshing goodness. As popular as sushi rolls are in Japan, tacos are just as revered in Mexico, and rightly so. Enjoyed with a unique touch of crumbled queso fresco and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, the Nopales tacos are a culinary delight that will take your taste buds on a delightful roller coaster ride, not unlike my own journey between Seattle and Japan.
The Health Benefits Hidden In These Tacos
With my background in using fresh, wholesome ingredients combined with a focus on delicious yet healthful meals, the Nopales Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa recipe falls right in line with my culinary philosophy. It would be remiss of me not to mention the potential health benefits of nopales, which are rich in vital antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Not to mention tomatoes, packed with the heart-friendly antioxidant lycopene, and onion and garlic, known for their antibacterial properties.
Perfect Pairings
While the Nopales Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa recipe boasts a burst of flavors that can surely stand on its own, it pairs wonderfully with other dishes too. Try serving it with a fresh guacamole or a hearty black bean soup for a full-fledged Mexican feast. Alternatively, similar to the traditional Japanese pairing of sushi rolls with miso soup, you may choose to enjoy these flavorful tacos with a warm bowl of vegetable-packed Mexican vegetable soup.
So, next time you’re yearning for a meal that is not just flavorful, but also nourishing and rich in culture, remember the Nopales Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa. And as you savor every delicious bite, know that you’re partaking in a culinary harmony of my Japanese heritage and Pacific Northwest upbringing, all bundled up in a warm corn tortilla.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fresh nopales (cactus pads), cleaned and cut into strips
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (Mexican cheese)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fresh Tomato Salsa:
Method
Step One:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped white onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onions have softened, which will take around 5-7 minutes.
Step Two:
Add the nopales strips into the pan, stirring them into the mixture well. Let this cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the nopales are tender.
Step Three:
While the nopales are cooking, begin to make the fresh tomato salsa. Start by combining the diced tomatoes, finely chopped jalapeno pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro into a bowl. Mix well to combine all these ingredients, and then add salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.
Step Four:
Now it’s time to warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can also wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave them for a minute.
Step Five:
Assembly time! Place the warm tortillas on a plate. Make sure to divide the cooked nopales evenly between them. Next, top each one with the fresh tomato salsa you made earlier.
Step Six:
Lastly, sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco and fresh chopped cilantro over all of the tacos. Now, your Nopales Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa are ready to be enjoyed.
