Sweet Nopalito Pie: A Tex-Mex Twist on Classic Dessert

Nopalito Pie: A Unique Cactus Dessert

Discover the flavors of the Rio Grande Valley with this delightful and unusual dessert, Nopalito Pie, created by Margarita C. Hinojosa of Benavides, Texas. This pie boasts a sweet and comforting taste reminiscent of traditional apple pie, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of Tex-Mex flair. Ideal when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this pie brings a unique twist to classic dessert fare. 🌵🥧🍦

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Category: Pie
• Keywords: Dessert, Vegetable, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Sweet, < 4 Hours

Ingredients

• 8 oz cactus pieces (nopalitos)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 cup butter (cubed)
• 1 cup margarine (cubed)
• 1 cup prickly pear cactus (diced)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust. 🌟

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2. Prepare the Cactus: In a covered saucepan, bring enough lightly salted water to a boil to cover the cactus pieces. Once boiling, add the cactus and let it parboil for about 3 minutes. Afterward, drain the cactus and rinse it under running water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess salt. 🌵💧

3. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of your pie pastry to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Gently transfer this rolled-out pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess pastry along the edges and set it aside for later use. 🥄🌀

4. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cactus dice (nopalitos) with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix these ingredients well by hand to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your filling. 🍥

5. Assemble the Pie: Spoon the prepared cactus filling evenly into the pastry shell in your pie plate. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and enhance the flavor. 🧈

6. Prepare the Lattice Crust: Roll out the remaining pastry to the same thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut this pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips. Arrange these strips over the filled pie in a lattice pattern. Trim and fold the edges of the lattice under and flute them to create a decorative edge. 🎀

7. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. 🕰️🍰

8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the pie cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of flair, garnish with a slice of prickly pear fruit if desired. Serve warm, and don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. 🍑🍦

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 357.9
• Fat: 17.1g
• Saturated Fat: 4.8g
• Cholesterol: 3.8mg
• Sodium: 254.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 48.8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25.1g
• Protein: 3.2g

This Nopalito Pie is not only a unique addition to your dessert repertoire but also a wonderful way to explore the vibrant culinary traditions of the Southwestern U.S. Enjoy the distinctive taste of cactus in this heartwarming pie! 🌟🥧🌵