2 Most Delicious preparations by Using Prickly Pear Cactus

Cactus is mostly portrayed as the water-bearing plant, which saved the thirsting cowpokes as per tales of the West. However, for a hungry range rider, you can some types of it can be consumed including Nopales,  Indian figs, beaver tail cacti and prickly pear cactus. There is a wide variety of these type of vegetables. These are members of Opuntia, which covers all around 200 species. All such species are being divided into 2 groups: the edible, which can be differentiated by flat pads that resembles beavers’ tails and the inedible, which have rounded and slender stems.

Also termed as Nopal, it is being promoted for treating high cholesterol, diabetes, hangover and obesity. It is also being tubed because of its anti-inflammatory and and antiviral properties. Some of the old preliminary evidence have shown that it can lower the level of blood sugar of people, having type 2 diabetes. It also helps in lowering the unpleasant effects of hangover. Thus, prickly pear cactus can be a vital part of your healthy diet, which are extremely high in antioxidants, fiber and carotenoids.

The edible parts are flowers, leaves, fruits and stems. These are mostly eaten whole (grilled or boiled) and are also used for preparing jams and juices. Following here are two tasty recipes, by which you can savor the goodness of Prickly Pear Cactus.

Cactus creole

Diced cactus- 2 cups

Hamburger- 1 pound (cooked and drained)

Tomato paste- 6 ounces

Water- 1 cup

Diced Jalapeno Pepper- 1

Drained Canned shrimp- 6 and half ounces

Pepper and salt to taste

Mix all ingredients mentioned above in the pan and cook at medium heat for 15-20 mins or till the time the cactus fully turns into deep green.

Moreover, cactus also taste great with fish and one such recipe is discussed here.

Cactus over fish

Cooking oil- ½ cup

Garlic (chopped)- 1 clove

Chili powder- 1 teaspoon

Flour- 1 cup

Filleted fish- 1 pound

Boiled and diced cactus- 1 cup

Water- ½ cup

Boiled egg (sliced)- 1

Lemon juice- 2 teaspoons

Salt to taste

Heat oil in frying pan, fry garlic till it turns into light brown. Then take a spoon or slotted spatula and remove those garlic pieces. Mix flour and chili powder in one bowl and roll fish in that mixture. Thereafter, fry these coated fillets till they become golden brown and then add water to it for cooking the fish a few minutes. Once the fish started to flake easily, you can remove it from pan, thereby serving it by adding toppings like lemon juice and salt.

However, there are certain side effects associated with consumption of prickly pear cactus. Some of them are nausea, diarrhea, increased stool frequency and abdominal fullness.