Gumbo

Step 1

Add the salt and 1 gallon water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the cactus and cook until it changes color, 5 to 7 minutes. Strain the cactus and let rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 2

Heat a skillet over medium heat with some oil and saute the cactus until completely dry. Reserve. In a separate pan over medium heat, start making a roux by adding the flour, butter and 1/2 cup oil. Cook, stirring continuously, until it smells like popcorn, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 3

Put another large pot with some oil over medium heat. Add the celery, onions and green and red peppers, and cook until they start to brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the roux, chicken stock, garam masala, Cajun seasoning and curry powder, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Add the chicken, pork and reserved cactus, and simmer on low heat until the flavors have melded, at least 1 hour.