| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 3g | 0.5g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 8g | 7g | 1.5g |
Excitement always lingers in my kitchen whenever I whip up a bowl of the hearty Vegan Nopales Stew. This delectable stew stands as a testament to the breadth of my culinary adventure beyond the familiar salty breeze of the Atlantic coast that shaped my expertise. Making use of nopales (cactus), an ingredient seldom found in the New England pantry, this tantalizing recipe adds a touch of the Southwest to our dining table, much to the delight of my daughters, Erin and Samantha. Behold the medley of colors and flavors in this picture perfect stew 
and let me take you on a journey of why I absolutely treasure this recipe.
The Beauty of Nopales
Nopales, the key ingredient in this recipe, are pads from the prickly pear cactus, well-loved in Latin cuisine for their tart flavor and excellent health benefits. High in fiber, rich in antioxidants, and low in calories, nopales are a wonderful addition to any meal, helping to increase nutrient intake whilst managing weight. Much akin to a cooling summer salad, yet with an adventurous twist, the Vegan Nopales Stew introduces a unique texture to your palate and captivates your senses with its distinctive flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
A Symphony of Flavors
Another reason why I adore this recipe is its harmonious blend of flavors. Despite its seemingly humble ingredients, every spoonful of the Vegan Nopales Stew guarantees an explosion of taste that harmonizes tart nopales, sun-ripened tomatoes, and the earthy pulse of black beans; all peppered with a hearty mix of spices to awaken the senses. This stew can comfortably stand alone as a fulfilling solo dish but also pairs perfectly with a side of corn tortillas or some grilled vegetables, bringing a delightful balance of flavors and textures to your dining table – perhaps even reminding you of a deconstructed, and much healthier, enchilada dish!
If you are seeking to create a culinary adventure or simply add more plant-based options to your menu, this recipe certainly wins my stamp of approval. Inspired by the vibrancy of Mexican cuisine, this stew also encourages us to explore food beyond our geographical boundaries, turning an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary journey without setting foot outside your kitchen. Here is an excellent guide Everything You Need to Know About Nopales for a deeper understanding and proper handling of this unique ingredient.
In closing, the Vegan Nopales Stew does more than just nourish our bodies; it serves as a delightful reminder of our endless journey in the world of food, inspiring us to craft dishes that not only satisfy our hunger but also enrich our culinary knowledge.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups raw nopales (cactus), diced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeds and membranes removed, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado slices for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onionand sauté until it begins to soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Two
After the onion has softened, add the minced garlic and jalapenos to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the diced nopales (cactus) to the pot along with the cumin, chipotle chili powder, and dried oregano. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Four
Once the nopales have softened slightly, add the diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Step Five
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the nopales are completely tender.
Step Six
After the nopales are tender, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Serve your Vegan Nopales Stew in bowls, garnished with a slice of avocado if you prefer. Enjoy this warming and healthy dish!
