Nopalitos con Huevo (Scrambled Eggs with Cactus)

History & Origin

Nopalitos con huevo is one of the most traditional and nutritious breakfasts in Mexico, eaten across virtually the whole country since pre-Hispanic times. The nopal cactus is one of Mexico's most emblematic plants, even appearing on the national coat of arms. Mesoamerican peoples cultivated nopal for over seven thousand years. Nopales are extraordinarily nutritious: high in fibre, vitamins A and C, calcium, and very low in calories. Their slightly viscous texture is reduced by cooking them correctly with salt. Nopalitos con huevo combines diced cactus paddles with scrambled eggs, onion, serrano chile, cilantro and tomato. They are served with warm tortillas, refried beans and salsa. In the UK, nopales can be found at specialist Mexican shops or substituted with canned nopalitos.