Cactus Fries (Nopalitos Fritos)

"A zesty taste sensation from Jay's Mestena Cafe in San Antonio, Texas as published in Texas Highways Magazine."
 
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Ready In:
20mins
Ingredients:
8
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • Remove thorns and “eyes” from cactus, and trim off the edges of pads.
  • Blanch cactus for 2 minutes in a covered pan with enough boiling salted water to cover; drain.
  • Cut cactus in 3- to 4-inch strips similar to French fries; set aside.
  • Combine cornstarch and achiote paste in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
  • In a medium-size bowl, combine flour and baking powder, add cornstarch mixture, and blend well.
  • In another bowl, beat egg white to stiff meringue.
  • Fold into the flour mixture, alternating with enough ice water to make batter the consistency of unbeaten egg white; chill.
  • Dredge cactus strips in batter, and fry in deep hot oil (375° on the thermometer) until crisp and golden, approximately 3 minutes.
  • Drain well and serve.

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Reviews

  1. Amazing! My husband loved them! We ate them plain as well as dipped them in salsa. Great both ways.
     
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