As a professional recipe developer, I have always been methodical in my approach to cooking. For example, vegetables should be cut in a particular way to maximize the flavor in each bite; ingredient X should be added before ingredient Y to enhance flavor just the right way. And my husband will tell you that when he cooks, I tend to stay right by his side and give him lots of “suggestions.”
That said, the pandemic has turned me into a kitchen wizard, as I’ve had to regularly concoct dishes from what I have in my pantry. It’s a skill born of necessity that has made me a better cook, but even wizards have their secrets. Mine happens to be ALDI’s Casa Mamita Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies.
Why I love ALDI's Casa Mamita Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
It’s a familiar situation: It’s 6 p.m., we’re all starving, and the fridge is giving off old Mother Hubbard vibes. On my shelf, those bright yellow cans are ready to spring into action. There are plenty of canned tomatoes out there, but Casa Mamita’s brand is unique. The tart-sweet tomatoes and bright green chiles are perfectly balanced, as if someone bottled a taste of sunny Mexican cuisine and preserved it for those of us stuck in colder culinary locales (ahem, Canada).
They’re also super convenient. Just pop the lid and pour them in for an instant flavor boost, no prep required! It’s the best form of cheating possible. At just $1.05 a box, they’re a must-have and make almost any meal better.
How I Use ALDI Casa Mamita Diced Tomatoes with Green Chili Peppers
These tomatoes add exceptional flavor to easy chili recipes, liven up bland rice, create a robust flavor base for red enchilada sauce, and add substance and flavor to tacos with beans, ground beef, or ground chicken. They’re the secret to my “famous” 15-minute salsa (I guess the secret is out!).
They also make the best huevos rancheros. I mix them with sautéed onion and garlic and serve the mixture on crispy tortillas with refried beans, shredded cheese, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It reminds me of my younger, bourgeois brunches, except I don't have to change out of my pajamas. I'm not sure if that's a pro or a con, though. I'll let you decide.
If you love Tex-Mex food as much as I do, these cans will be the best investment you can make in your pantry. Next time you're at ALDI, pick up a few cans, or six. I promise you'll find plenty of uses for them.
