fried cactus strips
Coat cactus strips in batter and breadcrumbs, deep-fry until golden and crispy, and serve with chili sauce.
Ingredients
cactus pads (large, about 8 inches x 4 inches)
4 to 6
all-purpose flour
1 cup
salt (divided)
1½ teaspoons
pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon
eggs
3
milk
1⁄2 cup
soft bread crumbs
1 cup
saltine crumbs
3⁄4 cup
chili powder
1½ teaspoons
cayenne pepper
1½ teaspoons
Oil for deep-fat frying
Picante sauce
Instructions
1
Step 1
Remove all thorns and prickly hairs from the cactus pads. Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Wash thoroughly; drain and pat dry. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
2
Step 2
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and milk together. Mix the bread crumbs, saltine crumbs, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and remaining salt; set aside. Dredge the cactus strips in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3
Step 3
Dip the strips into the egg mixture, then coat with the crumb mixture. In a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Fry the strips until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with picante sauce. Yields 8 servings.
