Fried Cactus Strips Food

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN CRISPERS

Steps:

• Cut chicken in to long strips about an inch thick, put in a bowl, cover with buttermilk and soak over night.
• Mix all sauce ingredients together, put in the fridge and leave overnight as well.
• Next Day: Heat oil in skillet until a cube of bread browns straight away.
• Take each piece of chicken out of buttermilk, cover in seasoned flour and put into the hot oil, turning occasionally. Take out when golden brown and crispy. Normally this takes about 7 minutes. Try not to crowd the pan, do about 4 at a time.
• It depends on how many strips you cut the chicken into, or what you serve it with as to how many servings this will make.

FRIED CACTUS STRIPS

Steps:

• Remove all needles and spines from cactus pads. Slice into 1/2-in.-wide strips. Wash thoroughly; drain and pat dry. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and milk. Combine the bread and saltine crumbs, chili powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt; set aside. Dredge cactus strips in flour mixture, shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. , In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry strips until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with picante sauce.

WHAT DOES CACTUS TASTE LIKE? DO NOPALES TASTE GOOD?

Steps:

• Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
• For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
• Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!

CACTUS FRIES (NOPALITOS FRITOS)

Steps:

• Remove thorns and "eyes" from cactus, and trim off the edges of pads.
• Blanch cactus for 2 minutes in a covered pan with enough boiling salted water to cover; drain.
• Cut cactus in 3- to 4-inch strips similar to French fries; set aside.
• Combine cornstarch and achiote paste in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• In a medium-size bowl, combine flour and baking powder, add cornstarch mixture, and blend well.
• In another bowl, beat egg white to stiff meringue.
• Fold into the flour mixture, alternating with enough ice water to make batter the consistency of unbeaten egg white; chill.
• Dredge cactus strips in batter, and fry in deep hot oil (375° on the thermometer) until crisp and golden, approximately 3 minutes.
• Drain well and serve.