noun
- The edible, flat, paddle-shaped stems of the prickly pear cactus, used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
Usage: Plural form; singular is 'nopal'.; Often prepared grilled, boiled, or in salads.; Also called cactus pads or cactus leaves.
Examples
- The restaurant served grilled nopales with lime and cilantro.
- Nopales are rich in fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious vegetable.
- She bought fresh nopales at the farmers market to make a traditional Mexican salad.
- The chef removed the spines from the nopales before cooking.
- Nopales have a slightly tangy flavor and tender texture when properly prepared.