Pasta con Salsa de Nopal

Pasta con Salsa de Nopal is a vibrant and nutrient-rich Mexican pasta dish that combines the unique flavor of nopal cactus with a hearty tomato sauce. This Halal-friendly recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delightful fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) - 150 grams
• Nopal cactus (fresh, diced) - 100 grams
• Tomato sauce - 200 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 small
• Cilantro (fresh, chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese (grated, optional) - 30 grams

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the diced nopal cactus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
7. Serve hot, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Nopal cactus is high in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• The dish is rich in vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and cilantro, supporting overall health.

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