How to Make Rotel: A Tasty and Versatile Dish
Rotel is a popular Mexican dish that combines diced tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, all packed in a jar. It is a flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of recipes, from Mexican dishes to sandwiches and salads. If you’re interested in learning how to make rotel at home, you’re in luck! In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to create your own homemade rotel.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make rotel:
– 1 pound of ripe tomatoes
– 1 medium onion
– 1 green bell pepper
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 yellow bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– 1 cup of white vinegar
– 1 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried cilantro
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps to make your own homemade rotel:
1. Wash and dice the tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño pepper (if using) into small pieces.
2. In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño pepper (if using).
3. Add the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried cilantro, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot.
4. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. After 20 minutes, the mixture should be thickened and the flavors should be well combined.
8. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
9. While the mixture is cooling, sterilize a quart-sized canning jar by boiling it in water for about 10 minutes.
10. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, use a slotted spoon to transfer the diced tomatoes and peppers into the sterilized jar.
11. Fill the jar with the remaining liquid, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
12. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth, place the lid on top, and secure it tightly.
13. Process the jar in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to can the rotel.
14. Remove the jar from the water bath and let it cool completely.
15. Once cooled, check the seal by pressing on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t move, your rotel is properly canned and ready to be stored.
Enjoy Your Homemade Rotel
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own homemade rotel. This versatile condiment can be used in a variety of recipes, and it’s sure to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Store your canned rotel in a cool, dark place for up to one year, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade rotel whenever you desire. ¡Buon provecho!
