Certainly! Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for nopales (cactus paddles):

Ingredients:

• 4-5 nopales (cactus paddles)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the nopales: Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the thorns from the edges of the nopales. Then, rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining thorns and sticky residue. Slice the nopales into strips or cubes, as desired.
2. Boil the nopales: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the nopales to the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain the nopales and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the nopales: Add the boiled nopales to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine.
5. Season and simmer: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the nopales mixture. Season with salt to taste. Allow everything to simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Once the nopales are tender and the flavors have melded, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the nopales as a side dish with warm tortillas, as a topping for tacos, or alongside grilled meats.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious nopales dish!