How to Use Nopales Knives

Nopales are the vegetables from the leaves of a prickly pear cactus. This crisp, tart vegetable is common in Mexican cooking in such recipes as egg dishes or used plain in salads. To get to the flesh, you must remove the sharp spines from the cactus paddles or pads with nopales knives.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the shape of the knives. Typically, one is a short right angle blade that holds the cactus paddle in place while the flat knife removes the spines.

2. Grab a cutting board. You'll be putting continuous pressure on the board, so look for a non skid cutting board to use so the process is easier.

3. Place the nopales on the cutting board and place the short, right angle blade in your left hand. If you're left handed, place the blade in your right hand. Press down on the tip of the cactus paddle to hold it in place.

4. Hold the flat knife in your other hand and gently begin to shave the thorns off. This process is done by moving the knife down the cactus paddle and up again. Do this movement several times until all the thorns are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're left handed make sure the blades of the knives are sharp on both sides of the knife that you use for scraping.

• Look for blades that are rounded so you can reach those thorns that may not be directly on top.

• Nopales are most juicy and flavorful in the spring.