Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes and green chilies that is popularly used in Tex-Mex cooking. The main ingredients in Rotel are diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies, leading many people to believe that is all Rotel is. However, there are some other key differences between Rotel and generic canned diced tomatoes and chilies.
The History of Rotel
Rotel was first introduced in 1943 by the New Braunfels Canning Company in New Braunfels, Texas. It was initially created as a way to utilize the abundant tomato and chili pepper crops being grown in Texas. The name “Rotel” combines “rote,” the German word for red, and “L,” for the founder of New Braunfels Canning Company, Leonidas Lindemann.
From the beginning, the diced tomato and green chili combination was the signature Rotel product. Over the years, the company expanded the product line to include various combinations of tomatoes, green chilies, peppers, onions, cilantro, lime juice and other ingredients. Today, Rotel products are manufactured by ConAgra Foods.
Ingredients in Rotel
While the primary ingredients in original Rotel are diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies, there are some other ingredients that differentiate it from generic store brands:
- Salt
- Calcium chloride
- Citric acid
- Natural flavors
Salt is added for flavor. Calcium chloride helps maintain firmness of the vegetables. Citric acid is added for tartness and to help preserve color. Natural flavors enhance the taste.
Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutritional comparison between 1/2 cup of original Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies versus 1/2 cup of a generic store brand:
| Nutrient | Rotel | Generic Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 | 20 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 230mg | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 5g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
As you can see, Rotel contains slightly less calories, carbohydrates, and sodium compared to the generic brand. This is likely due to less added salt and sugar.
Uses for Rotel
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies are a staple ingredient in many classic Tex-Mex dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use Rotel:
Queso Dips
Adding a can of Rotel to cheese dips gives it a spicy, southwest flavor. The diced tomatoes provide extra texture.
Chili
Rotel can add rich tomato flavor and spice to beef, turkey, or vegetarian chilis.
Taco Meat
Browning ground beef or turkey and cooking with a can of Rotel makes fast and flavorful taco meat.
Casseroles
Enchilada casseroles, king ranch chicken casserole and other cheesy bakes get boosted with a can of Rotel.
Salsas
Rotel is commonly used as a base for quick salsas combined with ingredients like onion, cilantro and lime juice.
Conclusion
While the main ingredients in Rotel are diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies, the brand offers some advantages over generic store brands. The addition of sodium, calcium chloride, citric acid and natural flavors enhances the flavor and preserves the texture of the vegetables. When substituting Rotel into Tex-Mex recipes, you’ll get an authentic flavor that living up to the brand’s long history.