Homestyle Rajas Con Crema Recipe: A Creamy Mexican Delight

Spicing up your dinner table, this rajas con crema recipe promises a Mexican culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Peppers and cream come together in a magical harmony that whispers comfort and excitement.

Rich, smoky poblano peppers mingle with silky cream, creating a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Regional flavors from central Mexico shine through every creamy, vibrant bite.

Creamy, slightly charred peppers beckon you to experience a truly authentic taste journey that connects you directly to traditional Mexican cooking.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible dish.

FAQs for Your Next Rajas Session

• What are poblano peppers?

Poblano peppers are mild, dark green chili peppers from Mexico with a slightly smoky flavor. They are larger and less spicy compared to jalapeños, making them perfect for roasting and stuffing.

• How do I know if my poblano peppers are properly roasted?

The peppers are correctly roasted when the skin is completely blackened and blistered all over. After roasting, the skin should easily peel off when you rub it gently.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Mexican crema?

Yes, you can substitute Mexican crema with sour cream or heavy cream. For cheese, try alternatives like monterey jack, cheddar, or queso fresco, which will provide similar creamy and melty textures.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, rajas con crema is typically mild. Poblano peppers are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor rather than intense heat. However, the spice level can vary slightly depending on the specific peppers used.

Rajas con Crema That’s and Comforting

• Rajas con Crema's Culinary Magic
• Prepare this mouthwatering dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving authentic Mexican flavors without complicated techniques.
• Serve as a side dish, taco filling, or standalone vegetarian delight that appeals to everyone from kids to gourmet food lovers.
• Transform simple poblano peppers and onions into a creamy, rich delicacy that elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
• Experience a delightful combination of charred peppers, soft caramelized onions, and silky cheese sauce that creates a complex, satisfying mouthfeel.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Rajas con Crema

• Poblano Peppers: Signature ingredient with mild heat and rich flavor, choosing dark green and firm peppers ensures best taste and texture.

• Mexican Crema, Milk, Shredded Cheese, Queso Fresco: Creamy elements that add richness and smooth texture, selecting full-fat versions provides better flavor and consistency.

• Onions, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Foundational flavor builders that enhance overall taste profile, fresh ingredients guarantee maximum taste depth.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating smooth cooking surface, neutral oils work best for maintaining authentic flavor.

How to Cook Perfectly Balanced Rajas con Crema

Step 1: Char Poblano Peppers

• Hold poblano peppers directly over gas burner or place under broiler
• Rotate peppers until entire surface turns black and bubbly
• Transfer charred peppers into sealed plastic bag
• Let peppers steam for 10 minutes
• Gently peel off blackened skin
• Remove stems and seeds
• Slice peppers into thin, elegant strips

Step 2: Caramelize Onion Base

• Grab large skillet
• Pour vegetable oil into pan
• Slide sliced onions into hot oil
• Cook onions until golden and soft
• Drop minced garlic into skillet
• Stir quickly for 30 seconds
• Ensure garlic releases delicious aroma

Step 3: Merge Pepper Strips

• Introduce poblano strips into onion mixture
• Stir gently to combine ingredients
• Allow peppers to mingle with onions
• Cook for short period

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

• Mexican crema
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pour crema into skillet
• Add milk
• Stir constantly
• Sprinkle cheese
• Mix until smooth
• Season with salt and pepper

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Transfer mixture to serving dish
• Top with extra queso fresco
• Serve alongside warm tortillas
• Enjoy immediately

Cooking Tips to Avoid Watery or Bland Rajas

• Optimize Pepper Roasting: Char peppers evenly by rotating them slowly over flame, ensuring complete blackening for deeper smoky flavor.
• Prevent Pepper Skin Sticking: Gently rub roasted peppers with a paper towel to remove charred skin more easily without tearing the flesh.
• Customize Creaminess Level: Adjust sauce thickness by varying crema and milk ratios- less liquid for thicker consistency, more for lighter sauce.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the traditional rajas con crema taste profile.
• Explore Dietary Variations: Substitute dairy crema with coconut cream for a vegan version, maintaining the dish's rich, creamy texture.

Storage Tips for Rajas con Crema Without the Sog

• Store leftover rajas con crema in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavors.
• Allow the dish to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping the creamy consistency intact.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent separation. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

Pair These Peppers with Bold Sides

• Combine tequila, lime juice, and jalapeño-infused simple syrup for a zesty cocktail that matches the roasted pepper heat.
• Mix black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing side that balances the creamy rajas' richness.
• Prepare tender, seasoned skirt steak that echoes the smoky pepper flavors and provides a protein-packed companion to the dish.
• Choose a crisp, light beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the creamy sauce and refresh the palate.

Flavor Additions to Elevate Your Rajas con Crema

• Vegan Rajas: Replace Mexican crema with cashew cream and use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version. Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Poblano Skillet: Serve rajas over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Use full-fat coconut cream as a dairy alternative for richness.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers during onion sautéing for extra heat. Include a sprinkle of smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate diced grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp into the rajas for a more substantial meal. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Rajas Con Crema Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican Rajas con Crema blends roasted poblano peppers with creamy richness, creating a soul-warming side dish from central Mexico. Peppers simmered in cream promise comfort and authentic flavor you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 poblano peppers
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams / 2.1 ounces) shredded queso fresco, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) Mexican crema (or sour cream)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) whole milk or heavy cream

Seasoning and Cooking Elements:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully char poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until skin turns completely black and develops a blistered texture.
2. Transfer roasted peppers into a sealed container and allow them to steam for approximately 10 minutes, which helps loosen the skin.
3. Gently peel away the charred exterior of the peppers, delicately removing stems and seeds, then slice into slender, uniform strips.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet, introducing sliced onions and cooking until they transform into a soft, golden-edged delicacy.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the caramelized onions, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for a brief moment.
6. Incorporate the prepared poblano strips into the skillet, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
7. Reduce heat and gently fold in Mexican crema and milk, creating a luxurious, creamy base that envelops the vegetables.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the mixture, stirring until it melts completely and integrates smoothly with the sauce.
9. Season the rajas with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Present the dish while warm, accompanied by traditional tortillas or fluffy rice, optionally garnishing with additional queso fresco for enhanced texture and flavor.

Notes

• Roast peppers carefully to develop deep, smoky flavors without burning them completely.
• Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet for even charring if open flame isn’t available.
• Consider wearing gloves when handling poblano peppers to prevent skin irritation.
• Adjust cream sauce thickness by varying milk and crema quantities for desired consistency.
• Swap Mexican crema with Greek yogurt or sour cream for lighter, tangier alternative.
• Toast tortillas alongside peppers to enhance their flavor and warmth before serving.
• Add protein like shredded chicken or chorizo for a more substantial meal variation.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg