Lentil Nopale Oven Stew

This is a very easy recipe. Be sure to pick a tender young cactus paddle (nopale) for best results.

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 1 small cactus paddle (nopale)
• 1 c brown lentils
• 4 c water
• 2 c cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
• 2 Tbsp parsley or chervil, minced
• 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter or oil a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Remove the thorns from the nopale, scraping it with a knife.
3. Chop the nopale into a 1/2 inch dice.
4. Add the nopales, lentils, water, cabbage, carrot and parsley to the casserole dish and stir.
5. Bake uncovered 75 minutes.
6. Add the butter, salt and pepper; stir well before serving hot with bread.