Smoky Poblano Rajas con Crema Recipe: A Creamy Fiesta

Spice up your culinary adventure with this mouthwatering rajas con crema that promises to deliver a burst of authentic Mexican flavors.

Roasted poblano peppers dance with creamy goodness in this classic side dish that originated in central Mexico.

The velvety blend of charred peppers and rich cream creates a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.

Caramelized onions add a sweet depth to the peppers, making each bite a delightful experience.

Traditional yet simple, this recipe combines just a few ingredients to create something truly spectacular.

Creamy, slightly spicy, and utterly irresistible, these rajas con crema will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Dive into this delicious journey and savor every single bite of this incredible Mexican classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Used In Rajas Con Crema

• Poblano Peppers: Mild, smoky chiles that add depth and authentic Mexican flavor, choose peppers with smooth, dark green skin and no soft spots.
• Onions: Provide sweet undertones and crisp texture, select firm white or yellow onions for the best caramelization.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent notes that enhance the overall dish's complexity, pick fresh cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• Mexican Crema: Adds rich, silky smoothness with subtle tanginess, opt for full-fat version for most luxurious consistency.
• Milk: Helps create gentle, balanced sauce texture, whole milk works best for creamy results.
• Shredded Cheese: Introduces melty, stretchy goodness that binds ingredients, choose Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for authentic taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium for sautéing ingredients, use high-quality oil with high smoke point.
• Salt: Elevates and balances all flavor profiles, use kosher or sea salt for most refined taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth, freshly ground offers most vibrant flavor.

Tools You’ll Use For Rajas Con Crema

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and poblano peppers with perfect heat control.
• Open Flame or Grill: Perfect for roasting poblano peppers to get that smoky, charred exterior.
• Broiler: Alternative method for roasting peppers if no open flame is available.
• Plastic Bag or Kitchen Towel: Helps steam roasted peppers for easy skin removal.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing peppers, onions, and garlic with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and combine ingredients smoothly in the skillet.

Cooking Rajas Con Crema Made Simple

• Pepper Transformation

Flame-kiss poblano peppers until their skin turns beautifully charred and bubbly. Let them steam in a cozy bag, then gently peel away the blackened exterior to reveal tender, silky flesh. Slice these emerald beauties into delicate ribbons.

• Aromatic Foundation

Warm a skillet with a splash of oil, inviting sliced onions to dance and soften into golden, caramelized whispers. Sprinkle fragrant garlic moments before the onions reach their peak, creating a seductive flavor base.

• Pepper and Onion Symphony

Introduce the poblano strips to the simmering onion landscape, allowing them to mingle and share their rich, smoky essence. Let the flavors converse and intertwine.

• Creamy Finale

Reduce the heat and drizzle in velvety Mexican crema and milk. Lovingly stir in cheese until it melts into a luscious, smooth blanket. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the dish’s hidden depths.

• Serving Celebration

Present this luxurious creation alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice. Shower with extra queso fresco for a final touch of indulgence.

Tips And Tricks For Rajas Con Crema

• Pepper Perfection Secrets: Roasting like a Pro can make all the difference. Use long tongs to turn poblanos evenly and prevent burning, ensuring a gorgeous char without scorching the peppers completely.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Swap Mexican crema with coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based version that keeps the rich, creamy texture while accommodating vegan dietary needs.
• Spice Level Control: Seek milder flavor by removing all pepper seeds and membranes. Want extra heat? Keep some seeds intact or add a dash of cayenne for a spicier kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Quick Meal Transformer: Turn this side dish into a main course by adding shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, or grilled steak strips. Serve over warm rice or wrap in fresh tortillas for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Rajas con crema can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent separation.

Serving Rajas Con Crema With Style

• Tortilla Wrap Delight: Scoop the creamy rajas into warm flour tortillas for a handheld treat packed with roasted pepper goodness and melted cheese.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top grilled chicken or steak with rajas con crema, creating a protein-rich meal that brings Mexican comfort food to your dinner table.
• Brunch Sensation: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or as a topping for breakfast tacos, adding a zesty and creamy kick to morning favorites.
• Authentic Side Companion: Pair with classic Mexican rice, black beans, or as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Storage Guide For Rajas Con Crema

• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover rajas con crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate cheese and crema components before freezing to maintain better texture when thawing.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare poblano peppers and onion mixture a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Combine and finish with cream and cheese just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and prevent soggy textures.

Creamy Rajas Con Crema Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mexican rajas con crema blends roasted poblano peppers with creamy goodness, creating a classic side dish from central Mexico. Spicy, rich flavors complement grilled meats or serve as a memorable taco filling you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 poblano peppers
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) mexican crema (or sour cream)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup (60 g / 2 oz) shredded queso fresco, mozzarella, or monterey jack cheese
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Charring Preparation: Expose poblano peppers directly to open flame or broiler, rotating until entire surface transforms to deep black with blistered texture. Immediately transfer to sealed container, allowing steam to soften skin for 10 minutes.
2. Pepper Processing: After cooling, meticulously peel charred exterior, remove seeds, and slice into elegant, uniform strips with precision.
3. Sautéing Foundation: Heat vegetable oil in expansive skillet over medium flame, introducing onions and allowing them to caramelize with golden, translucent edges while developing rich, sweet undertones.
4. Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic to sautéed onions, stirring briefly to release aromatic essence without scorching, creating complex flavor profile.
5. Vegetable Integration: Fold poblano strips into onion mixture, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop nuanced, interconnected taste sensations.
6. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat, gently pour Mexican crema and milk, creating velvety sauce that envelops vegetables with luxurious, smooth consistency.
7. Cheese Fusion: Sprinkle shredded cheese into simmering mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and seamlessly integrated, enhancing overall richness.
8. Final Seasoning: Calibrate salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve perfect flavor balance that highlights each ingredient’s natural characteristics.
9. Presentation: Transfer rajas con crema to elegant serving dish, garnishing with additional queso fresco to introduce textural contrast and visual allure. Serve alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice for complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Perfect Pepper Charring: Ensure poblanos are completely blackened with even blistering for optimal smoky flavor and easy skin removal.
• Steam Sealing Technique: Use a tight-fitting lid or sealed container to trap steam, which helps loosen charred pepper skin for effortless peeling.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Add minced garlic quickly and stir constantly to release aromatics without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without separating or becoming grainy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg