Description
Mexican Pintos with Cactus is a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender pinto beans combined with the unique and tangy flavor of nopales (cactus). This hearty dish is often served as a side or main course, offering a fresh and earthy balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh nopales (cactus), cleaned and cut into strips
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the soaked pinto beans and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped nopales to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender.
- Add the diced tomato, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tomato softens.
- Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet with the nopales mixture. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, adding just enough to help combine everything. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt, pepper, or spices if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- If you can’t find fresh nopales, you can use jarred or canned cactus strips, but be sure to rinse them well before cooking.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a small piece of chorizo or bacon to the onions and garlic as they sauté.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or as a side to grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg