Arroz con Nopal

Arroz con Nopal is a vibrant and nutritious Mexican rice dish featuring the unique texture of nopal cactus, combined with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This vegan delight is not only filling but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Nopal cactus (cleaned and diced) - 200 grams
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Tomato (diced) - 1 medium
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1/2 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano (dried) - 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh cilantro (chopped) - for garnish
• Lime wedges - for serving

Steps

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until the tomato softens.
4. Add the diced nopal cactus and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it with the mixture, and toast for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 64 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains vitamins and minerals from nopal cactus, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.

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