Prickly Pear Eggs

1 or 2 fresh nopales
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
1/2 cup red chile sauce
8 eggs
Salt and pepper

Trim and clean the cactus pads. Dice each pad, then cover with salted water in a saucepan, and simmer gently until tender — 5 to 10 minutes. Drain in a sieve and rinse under cold water to rid pads of their sticky, okra-like juice.

In a large skillet, saute the onion in butter or vegetable oil until soft. Add the nopales and red chili sauce and mix well. Break the eggs gently on top of the mixture, cover tightly, and steam until the egg whites are set — 5 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve directly from the frying pan.

Serves 4.

Variation:
Scramble the eggs, stirring them into the mixture in the skillet; continue to stir until the eggs are cooked but still moist. You may also add some chopped cooked bacon, if desired.