Authentic Rajas Con Crema Recipe

Golden Homestyle Rajas Con Crema Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful!

Peppers sizzle with vibrant colors and rich poblano flavor in this authentic rajas con crema that captures the heart of Mexican cuisine.

Roasted poblano peppers create a creamy, slightly spicy base for this beloved dish.

Sliced into tender strips, these green beauties mingle with sweet onions and a luxurious cream sauce.

The combination brings warmth and depth to every bite, telling a story of traditional Mexican cooking.

Roasting transforms the poblanos, softening their edges and releasing an incredible smoky aroma.

Each spoonful promises a delectable journey through regional flavors that dance on your palate.

Dive into this comforting recipe and experience the magic of authentic Mexican comfort food.

How To Serve Rajas Con Crema Traditionally

  • Cozy Taco Night Companion: Wrap these creamy rajas in warm corn tortillas for a classic Mexican street food experience that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
  • Hearty Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these peppers atop crispy breakfast potatoes or scrambled eggs to create a vibrant, flavor-packed morning meal that will energize your day.
  • Rustic Side Dish Delight: Pair the rajas con crema with grilled meats like carne asada or roasted chicken to complement the rich, creamy texture and add a burst of authentic Mexican flavor to your main course.
  • Vegetarian Protein Booster: Fold the rajas into black beans or quinoa for a nutritious, protein-packed vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on taste or culinary satisfaction.

Best Ways To Store Rajas Con Crema Safely

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store rajas con crema in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping fresh for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Transfer cooled rajas con crema into freezer-safe containers, maintaining quality for up to 2 months. Separate into smaller portions for convenient reheating without compromising texture.
  • Reheating Magic Technique: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk if mixture appears dry, helping recreate the original smooth texture.
  • Ingredient Separation Trick: Store cheese and cream components separately from poblano peppers to maintain optimal freshness and prevent soggy textures. Combine just before serving for maximum flavor and appealing presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Needed For Rajas Con Crema

For Base Vegetables:
  • Poblano Peppers: Mild, smoky peppers that provide rich flavor and signature green color; choose firm, glossy peppers without blemishes.
  • Onions: Provide sweetness and depth to the dish; select fresh, firm onions with no soft spots.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity and traditional Mexican cooking foundation; choose plump, firm cloves without green sprouts.
For Creamy Elements:
  • Mexican Crema: Smooth, tangy dairy component that creates luxurious sauce texture; select high-quality, authentic crema for best results.
  • Milk: Helps balance sauce consistency and softens overall flavor profile; whole milk recommended for richer outcome.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, salty dimension; choose traditional Mexican cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar.
For Cooking Basics:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for sautéing vegetables; use fresh oil for clean flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance dish's natural flavors; use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

Kitchen Tools For Preparing Rajas Con Crema

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and poblano peppers with even heat distribution.
  • Open Flame or Grill: Perfect for roasting poblano peppers and creating those delicious charred skins.
  • Broiler: Alternative method for roasting peppers if no open flame is available.
  • Plastic Bag or Kitchen Towel: Helps steam and soften roasted peppers for easy skin removal.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting peppers into thin strips and slicing onions.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for pepper and onion preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking in the skillet.

Cooking Directions For Rajas Con Crema

  • Char Poblano Peppers

Blast poblano peppers over high flame until their skin turns dark and bubbly. Let them steam inside a sealed bag for a quick 10 minutes. Gently peel away the blackened skin, slice out seeds, and cut into delicate strips.

  • Caramelize Onions and Garlic

Warm a skillet with oil and toss in sliced onions. Cook them until they turn golden and soft. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it dance around for a moment, releasing its warm aroma.

  • Marry Poblano Strips with Onions

Fold poblano strips into the sizzling onion mixture. Allow the flavors to blend and create a vibrant, aromatic base.

  • Create Creamy Magic

Reduce heat and pour in Mexican crema and milk. Let the mixture simmer gently. Stir in shredded cheese until it melts into a silky, luxurious sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the taste.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate this delicious creation alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice. Sprinkle extra queso fresco on top for a burst of freshness.

Extra Tips To Perfect Your Rajas Con Crema

  • Roasting Pro Tips: Get perfect charred peppers by turning them frequently during roasting, ensuring an even blackened surface without burning the flesh underneath.
  • Pepper Peeling Hack: Run roasted peppers under cool water while removing skin to make the process easier and prevent burning your fingers.
  • Creamy Texture Secret: Use room temperature crema and cheese for smoother melting and more consistent sauce texture.
  • Dietary Adaptations
  • Vegan Version: Replace dairy crema with cashew cream and use plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or use as a topping for grilled proteins instead of traditional sides.
Print
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Authentic Rajas Con Crema Recipe

Authentic Rajas Con Crema Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican rajas con crema combines roasted poblano peppers with creamy goodness, offering a classic side dish from traditional cuisine. Spicy, rich flavors and simple ingredients make this recipe a delightful companion for grilled meats or warm tortillas you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 poblano peppers
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) shredded queso fresco, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Roasting Peppers: Blacken poblano peppers directly over an open flame or under a broiler until skin becomes completely charred and blistered, creating a smoky exterior.
  2. Steaming and Peeling: Transfer roasted peppers into a sealed container, allowing them to steam for 10 minutes, which facilitates easy skin removal. Delicately peel off charred skin, remove stems and seeds, then slice into elegant, thin strips.
  3. Sautéing Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet, introducing onions and cooking until they caramelize to a golden-brown perfection. Add minced garlic and briefly toast to release its aromatic essence.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Fold poblano strips into the onion mixture, enabling ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex flavor profile with gentle stirring.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and introduce Mexican crema and milk, creating a velvety sauce that envelops the vegetables. Sprinkle shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and smoothly integrated.
  6. Seasoning and Serving: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as desired. Serve piping hot alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice, optionally garnishing with additional queso fresco for enhanced texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Roast Peppers with Care: Ensure complete blackening of poblano skin for authentic smoky flavor, avoiding uneven charring that can create bitter taste.
  • Steam and Sweat Technique: After roasting, immediately seal peppers in container to help steam loosen skin, making peeling process easier and preventing tough membrane.
  • Cream Consistency Control: Add dairy ingredients slowly and maintain low heat to prevent curdling or separating, creating smooth, silky sauce without grainy texture.
  • Cheese Melting Mastery: Use room temperature cheese and fold gently into mixture, ensuring even distribution and preventing clumping for perfect creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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