Traditional Sauteed Cholla Buds

Appetizers Beans Foraged Foods

Cholla buds have a unique flavor that includes tones ranging from artichoke to asparagus. Very nutritious and tasty, they make a healthy side dish for any meal.

By Frances Manuel | October 21, 2019

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 pieces broken dried chiles (optional)
1 cup boiled or roasted cholla buds
1 tsp. olive oil or other oil
1/2 cup cooked tepary beans (optional)

Cooking

In a frying pan, cook onions in the oil until lightly browned. If using chiles, add these now and cook until the peppers darken.

Add cholla buds and cook for five minutes or until they have absorbed all the oil and are warmed through. If they seem dry, add more oil and continue cooking.

If using beans, add these now and cook until they are warmed through.

Related Stories & Recipes

Cooking with Frances: The Incredible Edible Desert

As the daughter of a U.S. diplomat, I’ve been lucky enough to live all over the world, and I’ve eaten just about every local food you can think of—from ants to zebra. But when I moved to Tucson, I was...