Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Nopales con Escamoles is a truly rare and exquisite Mexican dish, featuring tender cactus paddles (nopales) topped with buttery, nutty escamoles (ant larvae). Known as the “Mexican caviar,” escamoles have been a luxury delicacy since Aztec times, prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value.
The History and Cultural Significance of Nopales con Escamoles
Our Nopales con Escamoles Kit brings this pre-Hispanic dish to your table, offering an authentic taste of Mexico’s indigenous food heritage!
A Pre-Hispanic Culinary Treasure
For centuries, indigenous Mexican civilizations, including the Aztecs, Otomí, and Nahua people, have gathered escamoles from the roots of agave and maguey plants. Combined with nopales (cactus paddles), this dish embodies Mexico’s deep-rooted tradition of sustainable, foraged cuisine.
🇲🇽 Aztec Empire (14th–16th Century) – Escamoles were reserved for nobility and warriors, valued for their high protein content and creamy, nutty flavor.
🌵 Otomí & Nahua Tribes (Pre-Colonial – Present) – These indigenous groups perfected the art of harvesting escamoles, preserving traditional foraging methods still used today.
🥘 Modern-Day Mexico – Today, Nopales con Escamoles is a sought-after seasonal delicacy, often enjoyed in high-end restaurants across Mexico City and Hidalgo.
Nopales con Escamoles is more than a dish—it’s a taste of Mexico’s rich history, blending ancient foraging traditions with modern-day gourmet indulgence!
Nopales con Escamoles is a truly rare and exquisite Mexican dish, featuring tender cactus paddles (nopales) topped with buttery, nutty escamoles (ant larvae). Known as the “Mexican caviar,” escamoles have been a luxury delicacy since Aztec times, prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value.
Ingredients for Nopales con Escamoles
Essential Ingredients
☑️ 1 cup escamoles (ant larvae)
☑️ 4 nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and sliced
☑️ 2 tablespoons🥄 butter or olive oil
☑️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 salt
Seasoning & Garnishes
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 epazote (traditional Mexican herb)
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 lime juice
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 ground black pepper
☑️ 2 tablespoons🥄 chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Additions
☑️ ½ cup caramelized onions for sweetness
☑️ 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped for heat
☑️ ½ cup queso fresco for a creamy finish
👩🍳 How to Make Nopales con Escamoles with the Kit
🌵 Step 1: Prepare the Nopales
1️⃣ Rinse the cactus paddles under cold water to remove excess slime.
2️⃣ Slice them into thin strips and blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Drain and pat dry before setting aside.
🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Escamoles
1️⃣ In a hot skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add escamoles and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring gently.
3️⃣ Season with salt, pepper, and epazote.
🥗 Step 3: Combine & Serve
1️⃣ Place the cooked nopales on a plate.
2️⃣ Spoon the sautéed escamoles over the top.
3️⃣ Garnish with lime juice, cilantro, and optional queso fresco.
🍽 Step 4: Enjoy!
1️⃣ Serve with warm corn tortillas and a side of spicy salsa verde.
2️⃣ Pair with mezcal or agua fresca for a true Mexican experience!
🔥Why You’ll Love This Nopales con Escamoles Kit
Ready to experience this rare Mexican delicacy? Try Nopales con Escamoles today! 🌵🐜🍽️
🌿Authentic Pre-Hispanic Flavors – A traditional dish eaten by the Aztecs!
🐜 Sustainable & Protein-Rich – Escamoles are an eco-friendly superfood.
🌵 Nutty, Buttery & Earthy – A delicate, rich flavor with a tender texture.
🔥 A Rare & Exotic Experience – A once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure!
“Nopales con Escamoles is more than a dish—it’s a taste of Mexico’s rich history, blending ancient foraging traditions with modern-day gourmet indulgence!”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Kumis: The Fermented Mare’s Milk DrinkYou Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
