Homemade Rotel

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Mexican

Homemade Rotel offers a spicy, tangy blend of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, perfect for adding bold flavor to dips, soups, and Tex-Mex dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 gallon ripe, chopped tomatoes
  • 8 to 12 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 large bell peppers, chopped
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook the mixture until onions and peppers are tender.
  2. Place the hot mixture into sterilized jars while still hot to seal.

Tips & Substitutions

For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before chopping. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or incorporating some chopped serrano peppers. Use fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor. This recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste, making it versatile for various Mexican recipes, including tacos and nachos.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade Rotel is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or as a flavorful topping for tacos and burritos. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Guacamole for an authentic Mexican-inspired snack. You can also use it as a base for Christy'S Texas Salsa, adding depth to your favorite dishes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the mixture in airtight containers. To reheat, simply warm the desired amount over low heat on the stove until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade Rotel contains roughly 662 calories, with 14g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (266% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

662 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.6g 27% DV
Total Fat 8.8g 11% DV
Carbs 144.4g 53% DV
Fiber 24.8g 88% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2091.4mg 91% DV
Potassium 1688.7mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 156.3mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 239.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 161.8mg 12% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Use about 4 cans of diced tomatoes to replace the gallon of fresh tomatoes. Drain excess liquid to maintain the right consistency. This is a great option when fresh tomatoes are out of season.

Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?

Yes, sterilizing jars is crucial for safe canning. To sterilize, wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, then rinse. Place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes or run them through a dishwasher on a hot cycle. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures a proper seal.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Feel free to add more vegetables like corn or black beans to enhance the flavor and texture. Enjoy it as a side dish or topping without any concern, making it suitable for vegan recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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