The big game is approaching and if you’re like me , it’s not as exciting to watch without a NY team in it. So let’s just say I’m going to watch it for the commercials and a chance to eat food that some might consider “bad” for you! I’m also not about to go overboard with the cooking so I’ll show you a couple quick and easy recipes that are delicious. All of these recipes are based around a Southwestern staple, Ro*Tel.
If you’ve never heard of Ro*Tel not to worry. The asterisk in between the words is my feeble attempt at creating the label, as the company is from Texas and places a star between the words Ro and Tel. Way back in 1943 Carl Roettele and his wife opened a small canning plant in Elsa, Texas. The product they were proudest of was their tomatoes and green chilies. Carl, worried people couldn’t spell or pronounce “Roettele,” so he used the name RO*TEL. It’s such a simple idea, placing tomatoes and green chilies together in a can, but something magical happens once the two flavors merge. If you grew up in the Southwest as I did you ate this stuff all the time. Mom’s used it as an easy way to spice up hamburgers or taco’s or salads. But, there’s something that can make this even better…Cheese!
- Traditionally Velveeta cheese is used and this recipe couldn’t be easier.
- 1 pound Velveeta cubed.
- 1- 10 oz. can of Ro*Tel undrained. They have several spice levels and flavors available.
- Place ingredients together in a pot and heat on medium stirring until melted. Alternatively, you can do it in the microwave, be careful not to burn it and stop and stir the mixture several times.
This is a perfectly amazing dip by itself and is best eaten with some corn chips. But it can also serve as the base for other delicious dishes. Try adding cooked spicy sausage or cooked ground beef and onions to the Ro*Tel dip then pour it over corn chips, topped with jalapeños, guacamole and sour cream for quick and easy nachos. There are many additions you can add to make this sauce fit your family’s taste buds. I’ve seen mushrooms, spinach and bacon added and served over pasta or add a can of chili poured over pasta topped with the Ro*Tel sauce to make chili mac. For the vegetarian in your family add a can of beans and cut up some vegetables to dip into the sauce. Using your imagination I’m sure you can find many uses for this cheese dip. But, we’re talking Super Bowl food so now for my personal favorite, the Frito Pie!
Another Southwestern dish, the Frito pie , isn’t something you see in too many places. I love to make these and they are also fun to eat and can be personalized to each individuals taste. To make this recipe work easier I recommend buying the individual snack size bags of Fritos. If you’ve never had Fritos, they’re hard to explain but the company’s website states it thusly,”Unlike the similar tortilla chips, which are made from cornmeal and use the nixtamalization process, Fritos are made by deep-frying extruded whole cornmeal.” To me this gives them a much richer flavor and a thicker texture that is perfect for this next recipe.
- To make the Frito Pie you’ll need the following.
- Snack sized bags of Fritos, lay flat and cut a slit down the middle of the bag to open it up. Some cut the top off , but I like the ingredients to reach all the Fritos so that’s why I cut the bag down the middle.
- 1 can of your favorite chili, or make your own chili. (thats another post!)
- Velveeta Ro*Tel dip.
- Diced onions and diced jalapeños
- Shredded cheddar or pepper Jack cheese
- Guacamole
- Sour cream.
- Lay the snack sized bag of Fritos flat on a plate and cut a slit down the center. Add Chili and Ro*Tel dip and top with any desired accompaniments.
- Eat with a fork or spoon.
Ok so you’re saying it’s basically nachos in a bag. I beg to differ! With the individual servings you never have the awkward moment when two people reach for the last chip covered in cheese. Each person gets to decide what goes onto their chips, how much spice, how much cheese etc.. Also you’re indulging in a little bit of Southwestern heritage and this may bring some people, back to their childhood. Bag of nachos or nostalgic delight, however you view them, Frito Pies are sure to please the crowd.
As always please send me any comments or questions in the box below. Until next time, Boone Appétit.
Well, I suppose dumping your Fritos in your own bowl, before adding the goodies, just isn’t done, is it.
(Sort of like eating pizza with a knife and fork.😄)
Hi NGBG, you got that right!
We ‘Mericans must loooove “individual portions”, with the attendant waste and expense, or folks who otherwise try to conserve, save and recycle, would not be seen traipsing about with “individual portions” of… water!
On a day devoted to excess, the Frito Pie is simultaneously excessive (in packaging) and tidy (in presentation and distribution), like your garden variety Patriots’ offense. I love this idea!
LOL, I hope you give it a try someday Barko.