Discover the authentic taste of Mexico with this Cheesy Roasted Poblanos Rajas con Crema dish. It’s a creamy, indulgent recipe that started as a breakfast buffet in Ixtapa, Mexico. It combines roasted poblano peppers with Mexican crema, milk, and Monterey Jack cheese, creating a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
The secret to this recipe is the milk proteins in the crema. They neutralize the capsaicin in the poblano peppers, letting their true flavors come through. You can enjoy this Mexican dish as a side or wrapped in warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Table of Contents
Understanding Rajas con Crema: A Mexican Classic
Rajas con crema is a favorite in Mexican cuisine. It has deep roots and true Mexican flavors. The name “rajas” means the sliced poblano peppers that make this dish special.
Origins and Cultural Significance
This dish comes from central and southern Mexico. It’s loved for its poblano peppers. These peppers are known for their rich, sweet, and slightly spicy taste.
Traditional Ingredients Explained
The main ingredient is poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and cut into strips. They’re cooked in a creamy sauce with Mexican crema. The dish is topped with melted Oaxaca cheese for extra creaminess.
Health Benefits of Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are full of vitamins and antioxidants. They’re packed with vitamins A and C and plant compounds that are good for you.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 483 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 37g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 567mg |
| Potassium | 206mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To make the Cheesy Roasted Poblanos Rajas con Crema, you need a few key items. The main ingredient is roasted poblano peppers. They have a mild spice, with a Scoville Heat Unit rating of 1000-2000. You’ll also need Mexican crema and Oaxaca cheese for the dish.
White onions, butter, salt, and garlic are also important. If you can’t find Mexican crema, you can mix sour cream and heavy cream. You’ll need a grill or gas stove, a large skillet, and basic tools like knives and cutting boards.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted Poblano Peppers | 4 large |
| Mexican Crema | 1 cup |
| Oaxaca Cheese | 1 cup |
| White Onion | 1/2 large, sliced |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a delicious Cheesy Roasted Poblanos Rajas con Crema. It will take you on a flavorful journey to Mexico.
Cheesy Roasted Poblanos Rajas con Crema
Charring and Preparing Poblanos
Begin by roasting the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler. This step, called “charring,” is key for their smoky taste. After charring, place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam for 15 minutes. This makes the skins easy to remove.
Once peeled, slice the peppers into long, thin strips, called “rajas.”
Creating the Creamy Sauce
In a skillet, sauté sliced onions and minced garlic in butter until soft and fragrant. Add the roasted poblano pepper strips to the pan. Pour in Mexican crema and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are well-coated.
Assembly and Cooking Process
For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a creamy dish with cheesy pepper strips, full of smoky, earthy flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poblano peppers | 4 |
| Onion, sliced | 1/2 large |
| Mexican crema | 1 cup |
| Oaxaca cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
This creamy dish with cheesy pepper strips is a delicious Mexican treat. It’s great as a taco filling, side dish, or dip with tortilla chips. Its rich, creamy texture and smoky flavor will make it a favorite in your home.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Raja’s con crema is a favorite Mexican dish loved for its versatility. It’s great as a side, filling for tacos or quesadillas, or even as a topping. It’s perfect for a hearty meal.
It’s also a great choice for vegetarians. You can add corn, chicken, or cheese to make it more filling. This way, you can make it your own.
One of the best things about rajas con crema is how well it keeps. You can make it up to 5 days in advance. Just reheat it, adding chicken broth if it’s too dry.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Poblano peppers | 3 peppers |
| Anaheim pepper | 1 pepper (or 4 additional poblanos) |
| Serrano peppers | 2 peppers |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 5 cloves |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Half and half | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
To make the dish even better, adjust the salt to your taste. The mix of roasted poblanos and creamy sauce is a true Mexican comfort. It’s perfect for any meal.
Conclusion
Rajas con crema is a classic Mexican dish. It mixes simple ingredients for a tasty and comforting meal. It’s loved for its rich taste and versatility.
This dish is great as a side, main course, or in other recipes. It brings the bold flavors of Mexico into your kitchen.
The cheesy roasted poblanos rajas con crema recipe is a highlight of Mexican cooking. It combines charred poblano peppers with creamy sauce. Each part works together for a dish that looks and tastes amazing.
By following the steps, you can make this beloved dish. You’ll enjoy the authentic flavors that make Mexican food so popular worldwide.
Adding authentic Mexican flavors to your cooking can make meals exciting. It’s a great way to explore new tastes. So, try the cheesy roasted poblanos rajas con crema and discover the magic of this iconic dish.
FAQ
What is rajas con crema?
Rajas con crema is a traditional Mexican dish. It features roasted poblano peppers in a creamy sauce. It started as a breakfast item in Ixtapa, Mexico.
It combines charred poblano strips with Mexican crema, milk, and Monterey Jack cheese.
What are the origins and cultural significance of rajas con crema?
Rajas con crema has deep roots in Mexican culture. The name “rajas” means strips in Spanish, referring to the sliced peppers. Poblano peppers are a key ingredient in Mexican cooking.
They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
What are the key ingredients and equipment needed to make rajas con crema?
To make rajas con crema, you need poblano peppers, Mexican crema, onions, garlic, butter, and salt. Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack can be added for extra cheese.
You’ll also need a grill or gas stove for charring peppers. A large skillet is needed for cooking. Basic kitchen tools are also required.
How do you prepare and cook rajas con crema?
Start by charring poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler. Steam and peel them, then slice them into strips.
Sauté onions and garlic in butter, then add the pepper strips. Pour in Mexican crema and simmer until the vegetables are well-coated.
For a cheesy version, add shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How can rajas con crema be served and what are some variations?
Rajas con crema is versatile. You can serve it as a side dish or use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. It’s also great over rice or cornbread for a hearty meal.
Variations include adding corn kernels, shredded chicken, or different cheeses.