Cactus fries

Cactus fries, also called nopalitos fritos, are a side dish that originated in the southwestern United States, made from prickly pear cactus paddles, or nopales, that are battered and deep fried. The batter is typically built from cornmeal, egg white, and achiote paste, and the dish is considered an Americanized take on traditional Mexican ingredients, tied closely to Tex-Mex and New Mexican cooking in Texas and New Mexico. The fried cactus has a crunchy exterior and a silky interior, with a flavor its own source compares to asparagus or bell peppers, and it is usually served with a dipping sauce such as salsa, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/