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Rajas con Crema Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

Rajas con Crema is a classic Mexican dish featuring smoky roasted poblano chiles cooked with onions, corn, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This flavorful side or main dish is perfect for serving with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, delivering a rich and comforting taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients

Poblano Chiles

  • 6 fresh poblano chiles

Vegetables & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium white onion, cut lengthwise into 1/4″ slices
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz corn kernels
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground cumin

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream or crème fraîche
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, grated (see Note 1)

Instructions

  1. Roasting the Poblano Chiles: Roast the poblano chiles by placing them directly over an open gas flame on the stovetop, turning occasionally until the skins are charred and blistered, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can roast them under a broiler or on a BBQ grill until blackened and blistered. This step develops the smoky flavor essential to the dish.
  2. Steaming and Peeling: Transfer the roasted chiles into a bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or place them in a brown paper bag to steam for 5-10 minutes. This steaming softens the skins, making them easier to peel. After steaming, peel off the charred skin and slice the poblanos into 1-inch strips.
  3. Sautéing Onions and Vegetables: Melt the butter in a saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, sliced roasted poblanos, corn kernels, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Cook while stirring frequently for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Adding Creamy Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream cheese and Mexican crema until fully blended. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
  5. Melting the Cheese and Serving: Add the grated Oaxaca cheese on top of the creamy mixture, cover the pot, and turn off the heat. Let it sit covered for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve the Rajas con Crema immediately with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or as a side dish.

Notes

  • Good substitutes for Oaxaca cheese are Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, or Mozzarella.
  • To serve as a main dish, add cooked and shredded chicken or beef for added protein and heartiness.