Nopales a la mexicana

This recipe is very common in México, as Nopales are not only easy to grow, healthy and delicious plant, but also a cultural symbol. Look around for nopales, make sure the species you find are edible and get prepared to taste this delicious mexican Dish.

Ingredients
7-8 nopales (around 15 cm, be sure to use Gloves while harvesting)
2 tablespoons of salt
1 tomato
1 onion

Step 1. Cleaning the nopales
It is important to get rid of the thorns, get a knife, place it horizontally and cut the thorns along with a thin layer of nopal skin. Cut the outside part of the nopal and then wash them with a sponge and water.

Step 2. Cutting and getting the slime out
Once cleaned, cut your nopales in small cubes and place them in a bowl. Get the salt and mix It along the nopales, let it rest for about 20 minutes with ocasional stirring if wanted. Once the 20 minutes have passed, rinse the mixture with a strainer in order yo get the slime away.

Step 3. Cooking
Cut the onion in thin jullienne strips and add it to a frying pan with oil until it crystalizes.
Cut the tomato in small cubes and add it to the pan.
Once it has changed its color, you can add the strained nopales and cook for around 5 minutes or until the water is gone ( in that way you will reduce the slime). Add 2 cups of water. Cook for around 20 minutes or until the nopales are soft, make sure it has already enough salt (because of the absorbed by the nopales) and enjoy!