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SMART SHOPPING: Ro-Tel Tomatoes

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This blend of tomatoes, green chiles, and spices was created by Carl Roettele in Elsa, Texas, in the early 1940s. By the 1950s, Ro-tel tomatoes had become popular in the Lone Star State and beyond. The spicy, tangy tomatoes add just the right flavor to countless regional recipes, such as King Ranch Casserole and Chile con Queso. We call on Ro-tel tomatoes when we need an extra flavor boost in Southwest and Texas-inspired recipes. If you can’t find them, you can substitute 1¼ cups diced tomatoes plus one minced jalapeño for one 10-ounce can.