Arroz con Nopales

Arroz con Nopales is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican rice dish featuring tender cactus paddles, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. This vegetarian delight is not only a celebration of traditional Mexican flavors but also a nutritious meal option packed with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Nopales (cactus paddles) - 200 grams, diced
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Cilantro - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Lime - 1, juiced
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain and set aside.
2. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced nopales to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables and spices.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Nopales are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• This dish is low in calories while providing essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

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