Huarachitos Tizoc

For the Salsa Verde: Remove the papery outer husks of the tomatillos and the stem and seeds from the jalapeño. Place the tomatillos and jalapeño in a pan of water, bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, until the tomatillos are softened, about 7 minutes. Drain.

Place the cooked tomatillos and jalapeño, the garlic and the cilantro in a blender and puree until smooth. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the tomatillo mixture and cook 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and chicken stock base. (Makes 1 1/2 cups)

For the Huarachitos: Peel the shrimp and cut into 1/3- to 1/2-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp pieces and cook until they turn pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Trim and peel nopales, leaving leaves whole. Heat a griddle until very hot. Oil it lightly. Add the nopales in a single layer, in batches, and cook over high heat for 2 minutes, then turn and cook 2 more minutes on the other side.

Place 1 nopal on each of 4 ovenproof plates. Cover with one-fourth of the shrimp mixture. Top each shrimp layer with another nopal. Pour salsa verde over each, then sprinkle with cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Each serving: 244 calories ; 15 grams protein; 20 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams fiber; 13 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 83 mg. cholesterol; 425 mg. sodium.