The $1.05 ALDI Find So Good I Buy 6 at a Time

They make almost any meal better.

As a professional recipe developer, I've always been methodical about how I approach cooking. For example, the vegetables need to be cut in a particular way to maximize flavor in each bite; X ingredient needs to go in before Y ingredient to build the flavor in just the right way. And my husband will tell you that when he's cooking, I tend to hover and give lots of "suggestions."

That said, the pandemic turned me into a bit of a kitchen magician—the result of having to regularly conjure up meals from whatever was in my pantry. It was a skill born of necessity that made me a better cook, but even magicians have their secrets. Mine just 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 the Casa Mamita brand is unique. The tangy, sweet tomatoes and zippy green chiles are perfectly balanced, like someone bottled up a taste of a sunny Mexican kitchen and preserved it for those of us stuck in chillier culinary locales (ahem, Canada).

They're also so convenient. Just pop the top and dump them in for an instant flavor boost, no prep required! It's the best possible form of cheating. At just $1.05 a can, they're a must-have that makes almost any meal better.

How I Use ALDI's Casa Mamita Diced Tomatoes With Green Chilies

These tomatoes add great flavor to easy chili recipes, spice up bland rice, create a robust flavor base for a red enchilada sauce, and add substance and flavor to bean, ground beef, or ground chicken tacos. They're the secret to my "famous" 15-minute salsa (I guess the secret's out!).

They also make the best huevos rancheros. I blend them with sauteed onion and garlic and serve the mix on crispy tortillas with refried beans, shredded cheese, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It reminds me of my younger, bougie brunch days, except I don't have to change out of my pajamas. However, I'm not sure if that's a pro or con. 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. The next time you're at ALDI, grab a few cans—or, you know, six. I promise you'll find plenty of uses for them.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.