Rotel is a popular Tex-Mex ingredient that consists of diced tomatoes mixed with chopped green chilies. It comes in a can and is often used to add a kick of flavor to dips, casseroles, chilies, and more. But can you eat Rotel cold, straight out of the can? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies produced by the New World Foods company in Ennis, Texas. It was first introduced in the 1940s and has become a staple ingredient in Tex-Mex cooking. The name “Rotel” comes from the fact that it contains ROtelle brand diced TOmaTELS.
Rotel comes in several varieties:
- Original – Diced tomatoes and green chilies
- Mild – Diced tomatoes and mild green chilies
- Hot – Diced tomatoes and hot green chilies
- Tomato – Diced tomatoes only, no chilies
- Green Chilies – Chopped green chilies only, no tomatoes
The most popular version is the original, which contains a mix of tomatoes and moderately spicy green chilies. It adds a quick blast of flavor and heat to Tex-Mex dishes.
Nutrition Facts of Rotel
One half cup serving of original Rotel contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, one serving contains 30 calories, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, 360mg sodium, and no fat. It’s low in calories and fat, but relatively high in sodium. The tomatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, while the green chilies add a dose of vitamin C and capsaicin, which is a compound that gives chilies their heat.
Can You Eat Rotel Cold?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely eat Rotel cold straight from the can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Texture
Cold Rotel straight from the can will have a firmer, crunchier texture than Rotel that has been heated up. The tomatoes and chilies haven’t been cooked at all, so they maintain their raw, crispy texture. Some people enjoy this fresh, cold crunch, while others find it unappetizing.
Temperature
Since Rotel is stored at room temperature in the can, it will be cool but not chilled when eaten straight out. The tomatoes and chilies are still raw. Some people prefer to chill Rotel in the refrigerator before eating it cold, as the colder temperature can make it more refreshing.
Flavor
Most people find that Rotel has more vibrant, brighter flavor when consumed cold rather than cooked. The natural flavors of the tomatoes and chilies really sing. However, others feel the flavors are too acidic and assertive when cold. Cooking mellows out the acidity.
Heat
The spicy kick from the green chilies is often more pronounced when Rotel is eaten cold. Heating tends to temper the burn a bit. So if you choose a hot variety of Rotel, expect an intense hit of heat when eating it straight from the can.
Sodium
As noted earlier, Rotel is relatively high in sodium content. Consuming multiple servings of it cold without heating can add up in terms of sodium intake for the day. Heating chips away at the sodium levels slightly.
Tips for Eating Cold Rotel
Here are some tips to enjoy cold Rotel straight from the can:
- Chill it first – Letting the open can chill in the fridge before eating can improve the texture and make it more refreshing.
- Drain the liquid – Draining off some of the tomato liquid can reduce the mushiness.
- Pair with creaminess – Cold Rotel pairs well with creamy dips, dressings, and sauces to balance the texture.
- Add lots of lime – Fresh lime juice helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Top with cheese – Sharp cheddar, queso fresco, or cotija cheese balances the flavors.
- Use as a topping – Try cold Rotel as a topping on salads, tacos, nachos, chili, or potato skins.
- Watch the sodium – Be mindful of sodium intake if consuming multiple cold servings per day.
Dishes You Can Eat Cold Rotel In
Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy the brisk, fresh flavor of cold Rotel straight from the can:
Queso Dip
Mix cold Rotel with room temperature cream cheese, Monterey jack, cheddar, or queso fresco for an easy, addictive cheese dip. The creaminess balances the crunch. Garnish with cilantro.
Taco Salad
Liven up taco salad by spooning cold Rotel over the lettuce right before serving. The tomatoes and chilies add a burst of flavor. You can also mix some Rotel into the salsa dressing.
Cheese Ball
Stir a quarter cup or more of cold Rotel into cream cheese cheeseball mixes. The tanginess brightens up the flavor and gives a festive look with the red and green flecks.
Fruit Salad
Believe it or not, a spoonful or two of cold Rotel can perk up a boring fruit salad. The hit of chili flavor complements sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, or melon.
Pasta Salad
Toss some well-drained cold Rotel into pasta salads. It adds flavor to angel hair pasta salad, tortellini salad, orzo salad, and more. Just beware that it can make the pasta soggy.
Potato Skins
Cold Rotel makes a fantastic topping for loaded cold potato skins. The crunch of the Rotel pairs so well with the cool, creamy potato. Finish with chives.
Chili
Add some straight from the can Rotel as a garnish for a bowl of hearty chili. It retains great texture and flavor. Works for turkey chili, vegetarian chili, or beef chili.
Nachos
Spoon cold Rotel over nachos right before eating. It won’t get mushy or soak into the chips. Makes for vibrant, fresh nachoflavor.
Should You Rinse Rotel Before Using?
Since the liquid in the can contains a lot of the sodium content, some people prefer to rinse Rotel before using it. Rinsing under running water for 30 seconds can lower the sodium levels a bit. However, it also washes away some of the seasoned tomato flavor. So rinse only if limiting sodium intake.
Does Refrigerating Rotel Change the Flavor?
Refrigerating an opened can of Rotel for more than a day or two can change the texture and flavor. The tomatoes start to break down and get mushier. The bright fresh flavors also diminish over time. For best flavor, consume refrigerated Rotel within 2-3 days of opening.
Conclusion
Rotel is a beloved staple in Tex-Mex cooking, but it also shines when consumed cold straight from the can. Its fresh, crisp texture and zesty chili-spiked flavor profile make it a versatile ingredient. Cold Rotel can liven up anything from fruit salad to loaded nachos. Just watch your sodium intake if eating multiple servings per day. By chilling it first and pairing with creamy ingredients, you can enjoy snacking on cold Rotel from the can!