Sizzling Rajas Con Crema Recipe: A Fiery Mexican Delight

Ever wondered how authentic Mexican tacos make your taste buds dance with their rajas con crema magic?

Roasted poblano peppers create a delightful canvas for creamy, rich flavors that sing with traditional charm.

Bold green chiles sizzle and caramelize, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Kernels of sweet corn and soft cream blend seamlessly in this classic dish from central Mexico.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and smooth textures that tell a delicious story.

Home cooks and food lovers alike find comfort in these simple yet remarkable pepper strips.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Questions Answered On Rajas Con Crema

• What are rajas con crema?

Rajas con crema is a traditional Mexican side dish made with roasted poblano peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce. It’s a popular comfort food that combines smoky, spicy peppers with rich, smooth cream.

• How spicy are poblano peppers?

Poblano peppers are mild to medium in heat, usually ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units. They provide a gentle warmth and earthy flavor without overwhelming spiciness, making them perfect for people who enjoy subtle heat.

• Can I make rajas con crema vegetarian?

Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly Mexican crema and cheese. It’s a delicious, protein-rich side that works great for vegetarian diets.

• What can I do if I can't find Mexican crema?

If Mexican crema isn’t available, you can substitute with sour cream or heavy cream. For a tangy flavor similar to crema, mix sour cream with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency.

Why Rajas Con Crema Deserves A Spot On Your Table

• Char and Savor: Roasting poblano peppers over an open flame creates a smoky, deep flavor that transforms this simple dish into a culinary experience.
• Creamy Comfort Fusion: The combination of Mexican crema, melted cheese, and tender poblano strips delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that hugs your taste buds with warmth.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous Mexican-inspired meals that require minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Veggie Delight: Easily adaptable as a side dish, taco filling, or vegetarian main course, rajas con crema offers flexibility for different dining preferences and meal occasions.

What You Need For Rajas Con Crema

Main Ingredients:

• Poblano Peppers: Mild, dark green peppers with rich, slightly smoky flavor when roasted. Choose fresh, firm peppers without soft spots or blemishes.

• Mexican Crema, Milk, Shredded Cheese, Queso Fresco: Creamy components that add richness and smooth texture. Select full-fat dairy for best flavor and consistency.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and aroma. Pick fresh, firm onions with no sprouting and garlic with tight, unbroken skin.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing vegetables. Choose high-heat oils like canola or grapeseed.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and brighten the dish. Use kosher or sea salt for best results.

How To Make Rajas Con Crema

Step 1: Fire Up the Peppers

Carefully char poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until their skin turns completely black and bubbly. Quickly transfer the roasted peppers into a sealed plastic bag or wrap them in a kitchen towel. Let them steam for 10 minutes. Once cooled, gently peel away the charred skin, remove stems and seeds, and slice into delicate strips.

Step 2: Dance the Onions and Garlic

Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Slide in the sliced onions and let them sizzle and soften, developing a golden, caramelized edge. After 5-7 minutes, sprinkle in minced garlic and stir until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering aroma.

Step 3: Marry the Poblano Strips

Introduce the roasted poblano strips to the onion and garlic party. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to become fast friends and create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Magic

• Mexican crema
• Whole milk

Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally. When warm, fold in shredded cheese until it melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 5: Serve with Celebration

Transfer the creamy rajas to a serving dish. Accompany with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or enjoy as a vibrant side dish. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some fresh queso fresco on top.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips That Make Rajas Con Crema Better

• Pepper Roasting Pro: Charring poblanos directly over flame creates a smoky flavor and helps easily remove tough skin, ensuring a tender, delicious result.
• Onion Caramelization Trick: Cook onions slowly on medium heat to develop sweet, rich undertones without burning, which adds depth to the dish's overall taste.
• Crema Consistency Control: Add dairy ingredients like crema and milk on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Incorporate shredded cheese gradually and stir continuously for even melting, creating a creamy, luxurious coating on the peppers and onions.
• Dietary Adaptation Hack: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese for a lactose-free or vegan version of rajas con crema.

How To Keep Rajas Con Crema Warm

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover Rajas con Crema to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Option: Place cooled Rajas con Crema in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating Skillet Method: Warm the dish over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency if the sauce has thickened during storage.
• Microwave Reheating: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to retain moisture and prevent splattering.

What Tastes Good With Rajas Con Crema

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the creamy, smoky rajas with a classic margarita. The citrusy lime and tequila cut through the richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: A cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, spicy dish. The beer's clean, crisp profile helps cool down the pepper's heat.
• Serve Alongside Cilantro-Lime Rice: The bright, herbal notes of cilantro-lime rice create a wonderful backdrop for the rajas con crema. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce while adding a fresh, tangy element to the meal.
• Complement with Grilled Carne Asada: The charred, savory flavors of grilled carne asada perfectly match the smoky poblano peppers. This protein-rich side adds depth and substance to the creamy dish, making it a more complete meal.

Fresh Ideas For Rajas Con Crema

• Spicy Rajas Fiesta: Enhance the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while sautéing the onions, creating a zesty pepper-packed experience that tingles your taste buds.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Incorporate black beans or cubed tofu during the simmering stage, transforming the dish into a hearty, protein-rich meal that satisfies vegetarian appetites.
• Smoky Bacon Rajas: Crisp up chopped bacon before sautéing onions, infusing the dish with a rich, smoky flavor that complements the roasted poblano peppers perfectly.
• Green Chile Fusion: Replace some poblano peppers with Anaheim or hatch green chiles, adding a different pepper profile and subtle regional Mexican complexity to the classic recipe.

Rajas Con Crema Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican street corn meets creamy poblano peppers in this irresistible Rajas con Crema, a classic side dish that weaves together smoky charred peppers, sweet onions, and rich dairy. Sizzling with authentic flavor, this comforting recipe invites you to savor a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine in just one delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 poblano peppers
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) Mexican crema (or sour cream)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup (60 grams / 2 ounces) shredded queso fresco, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Char poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until skin turns completely black and develops blistered patches. Immediately transfer to a sealed container to steam for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Once peppers are cooled, carefully remove charred outer skin, extract seeds, and slice into elegant, uniform strips.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing sliced onions and allowing them to soften and develop golden edges.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the caramelizing onions, stirring briefly to release aromatic qualities without burning.
5. Gently incorporate poblano strips into the onion mixture, enabling ingredients to intermingle and develop complex flavors.
6. Reduce skillet temperature and pour Mexican crema and milk, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that envelops the vegetables.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the simmering mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated.
8. Season the rajas con crema with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve perfect balance.
9. Transfer to a serving dish, garnishing with additional queso fresco for enhanced texture and visual appeal. Accompany with warm tortillas or fluffy rice.

Notes

• Char peppers carefully to develop a deep, smoky flavor without burning them completely.
• Use fresh poblano peppers for the most vibrant taste and authentic texture.
• Wear gloves when handling roasted peppers to prevent skin irritation from potential capsaicin.
• Pat roasted peppers dry after peeling to ensure crisp edges and better sauce absorption.
• Select full-fat Mexican crema for a richer, more luxurious sauce consistency.
• Control heat level by removing pepper seeds for a milder version or keeping them for extra spice.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like manchego or queso blanco for unique flavor profiles.
• Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg