Nopales con Frijoles (Cactus and Pot Bean Stew)
Tender cactus paddles simmered with tomato, jalapeño and creamy pot beans into a tangy, filling vegan stew.
Made with Corn tortillas from masa harina and Frijoles de la olla (pot beans). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.11 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse the nopales strips thoroughly under cold running water for 1 to 2 minutes to wash off the slime. Drain well.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Soften the onion and jalapeño for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
6 min - 3
Add the tomatoes and salt and cook for 5 minutes, until they break down into a sauce.
5 min - 4
Stir in the nopales and cook for 5 minutes, until they lose their raw smell.
5 min - 5
Add your ready made pot beans with their broth (see the base recipe) and simmer for 10 minutes, until the stew is thick and flavourful.
10 min - 6
Warm your corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan. Serve the stew in bowls with coriander, lime wedges and the tortillas on the side.
Tips
- Rinse jarred nopales well. They come packed in a brine that is tangy and slippery.
- Frying them for 5 minutes in the tomato base gives them a firm, tender bite, like green beans.
- Add a sprig of epazote with the beans if you can find it, as the traditional herb for beans.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What do nopales taste like?
Nopales are cactus paddles. They taste green and slightly tangy, like a cross between green beans and okra, and cook to a tender but firm texture.
Where can I buy nopales in the UK?
Look for jars or tins of nopalitos in the world foods aisle, in Mexican food shops or online. Fresh paddles are sold in some specialist greengrocers.
Is it vegan and gluten free?
Yes. Pot beans, nopales, vegetables and corn tortillas contain no animal products or gluten. Check that your tortillas are pure corn.
More made with corn tortillas from masa harina
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.