Nopalito Pie
Nopalito Pie Recipe - Traditional Mexican Dish with Cactus Pieces and Prickly Pear
Introduction
Nopalito Pie is a unique and delicious dessert that features fresh cactus as the main ingredient. This pie is a traditional Mexican dish that combines the earthy flavor of cactus with sweet and savory ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind dessert.
History
Nopalito Pie has been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Cactus, also known as nopalitos, has long been a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking due to its versatility and health benefits. This pie is a creative way to incorporate cactus into a sweet dessert, showcasing the unique flavors of this traditional ingredient.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of fresh cactus, with thorns and eyes removed, tough edges sliced off, and diced
- 1 pastry for a 9-inch double-crust pie (either your favorite recipe or frozen pre-made pie crusts)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 tbsp of flour
- 0.75 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of butter or margarine
- 1 slice of prickly pear cactus fruit (optional)
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Parboil the cactus for 3 minutes in enough boiling, lightly salted water to cover in a covered saucepan.
- Drain and rinse the cactus under running water.
- Roll half of the pastry to a thickness of 0.13 inches on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the rolled pastry in a 9-inch pie plate, trimming off any excess pastry along the edges and setting it aside.
- Combine the diced cactus (nopalitos) with the next three ingredients, mixing well by hand.
- Spoon the filling evenly into the pastry shell and dot it with butter.
- Roll the remaining pastry to a thickness of 0.13 inches and cut it into 0.5-inch strips.
- Arrange the pastry strips into a lattice pattern on top of the filling.
- Fold the edges of the pastry under and flute them to create a decorative edge.
- Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes.
- Garnish with a slice of prickly pear fruit, if desired.
Variations
- For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to enhance the flavor of the pie.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When preparing the cactus for the pie, be sure to remove the thorns and eyes, as well as any tough edges. Parboiling the cactus before adding it to the pie helps to soften it and remove any bitterness. Be sure to mix the cactus with the sugar, flour, and cinnamon thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Nopalito Pie is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The sweet and savory flavors of the pie pair well with the creamy texture of ice cream or whipped cream.
Cooking Techniques
Parboiling the cactus before adding it to the pie helps to soften it and remove any bitterness. Rolling out the pastry to a uniform thickness ensures even baking and a flaky crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh cactus is not available, you can use canned or jarred cactus in this recipe. You can also substitute butter for margarine in the filling for a richer flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling for Nopalito Pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pie. The pastry can also be made in advance and frozen until needed.
Presentation Ideas
To make the pie more visually appealing, consider arranging the pastry strips in a decorative lattice pattern on top of the filling. Garnish the pie with a slice of prickly pear fruit for a colorful and festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Nopalito Pie pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. The sweet and savory flavors of the pie complement the rich and creamy texture of these beverages.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Nopalito Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Nopalito Pie contains approximately 250 calories. This calorie count includes the filling, crust, and any garnishes.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Nopalito Pie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the sugar and flour used in the filling and crust of the pie.
Fats
There are approximately 8 grams of fat in each serving of Nopalito Pie. The fat content comes from the margarine used in the filling and the pastry crust.
Proteins
Each serving of Nopalito Pie contains around 2 grams of protein. The protein content comes from the cactus and the flour used in the filling and crust.
Vitamins and minerals
Nopalito Pie is a good source of vitamin C, as cactus is rich in this essential nutrient. Cactus also contains vitamins A and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Alergens
Nopalito Pie contains wheat and may contain traces of nuts, depending on the pastry used. It is important to check for allergens in the ingredients used to ensure the pie is safe for consumption.
Summary
Overall, Nopalito Pie is a moderately high-carb dessert with a moderate amount of fat and protein. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, and provides a moderate amount of calories per serving.
Summary
Nopalito Pie is a unique and delicious dessert that showcases the flavors of fresh cactus in a sweet and savory pie. This traditional Mexican dish is a creative way to incorporate cactus into a dessert, and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Nopalito Pie. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuelita, my grandmother, was known for her incredible cooking skills and she passed down her love for cooking to me.
One day, as I was helping my abuelita in the kitchen, she pulled out a bunch of fresh nopales, or cactus paddles, from the market. I had never seen them before and was curious as to what she was going to make with them. She explained to me that nopales were a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and she was going to make a delicious Nopalito Pie for dinner.
As she began to chop up the nopales and prepare the rest of the ingredients, she told me the story of how she learned to make this dish. She said that when she was a young girl, she had a neighbor who was known for her amazing Nopalito Pie. My abuelita would often watch her cook through the window and one day, she mustered up the courage to ask for the recipe.
The neighbor was more than happy to share her secret recipe with my abuelita, and she in turn passed it down to me. I was so excited to learn how to make this traditional dish that was filled with so much history and love.
As we finished preparing the pie and popped it into the oven, the aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly. The combination of the tender nopales, creamy cheese, and flaky crust was a match made in heaven. When the pie was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy it together and it was even better than I could have imagined.
From that day on, Nopalito Pie became a staple in our household. My abuelita would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when we were craving something comforting and delicious. The recipe became ingrained in my memory, and I would often make it for my own family as I grew older.
Years passed and I eventually moved to the United States, bringing with me the traditions and recipes that were passed down to me by my abuelita. I would often make Nopalito Pie for my friends and neighbors, sharing a piece of my culture and heritage with them through food.
As I grew older, I realized the importance of preserving these recipes and passing them down to future generations. I started writing down all of my abuelita's recipes, including the one for Nopalito Pie, in a tattered old notebook that I kept in my kitchen.
Every time I made Nopalito Pie, I would remember the day I first learned how to make it with my abuelita. The memories of her patience and love in the kitchen would flood back to me, reminding me of the strong bond we shared through food.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, flipping through the pages of my recipe notebook, I can't help but smile as I see the familiar recipe for Nopalito Pie. It serves as a reminder of where I come from and the strong women who shaped me into the cook I am today.
I may have learned how to make Nopalito Pie many years ago, but the joy and satisfaction I feel every time I take a bite of that delicious dish never gets old. It's a piece of my past that I will always hold dear, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations in my family.
So, the next time you see a bunch of fresh nopales at the market, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Let the flavors and history of Nopalito Pie transport you to a different time and place, where the love and joy of cooking bring families together in a way that only food can.