Ingredients

1 prickly pear , peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 skinless , boneless chicken breasts , cut into small pieces
6 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , or to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 onion , chopped
1/2 bell pepper , chopped
2 cloves garlic , chopped
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 dash pepper sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Prickly pear is a fruit that comes from the cactus plant, and it's widely used in Mexican cuisine due to its unique flavor and bright pink color. This recipe takes advantage of prickly pear's flavor by incorporating it into a tangy and mild enchilada sauce that complements the chicken and cheese filling. The dish can be served with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Instructions

1.Heat the oil in a pan and cook chicken pieces over medium heat.
2.Set chicken pieces aside and sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3.Add prickly pear, water, lemon juice, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper sauce.
4.Stir in cornstarch and simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens.
5.Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and parsley.
6.Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
7.Spread some sauce on the bottom of the dish and fill each tortilla with chicken and cheese. Roll and place them into the baking dish seam-side down.
8.Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle more cheese on top.
9.Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, around 20 minutes.

PROS

Prickly pear gives a unique flavor and vibrant color to this enchilada sauce, and it’s low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants.

This recipe is easy to make, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.

The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

CONS

Prickly pear can be challenging to find in some areas, and it must be handled with gloves due to its spines.

Sour cream and mozzarella cheese add some calories and fat to the dish.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Prickly pear is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like betalains.
The fruit has been linked to aiding digestion, reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and promoting wound healing.

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