Pasta de Cactus

Pasta de Cactus is a vibrant and flavorful vegan baked dish that combines the unique taste of cactus paddles with pasta and a medley of spices. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a delightful twist on traditional Mexican flavors.

Ingredients

• Cactus paddles - 200 grams, diced
• Pasta (penne or fusilli) - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Tomato - 1 large, diced
• Bell pepper (any color) - 1 medium, diced
• Corn (canned or frozen) - 100 grams
• Black beans (canned, rinsed) - 100 grams
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lime - 1, juiced
• Vegan cheese (optional) - 50 grams, shredded

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Stir in the diced cactus paddles, tomato, corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cactus is tender.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetable mixture, nutritional yeast, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. If using vegan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the cactus, beans, and vegetables.

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