Rajas con Crema Tacos
Creamy, smoky roasted poblano peppers and sweet corn are simmered in a luscious cream sauce, then tucked into warm corn tortillas. A beloved vegetarian taco that's both comforting and full of authentic Mexican-American flavor.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast and Prepare the Poblano Peppers
- b.Place poblano peppers directly on a gas stove flame, under a broiler, or on a grill over high heat.
- c.Turn the peppers occasionally until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Immediately transfer the hot peppers to a heatproof bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap, or place them in a paper bag and seal it. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes to loosen the skins.
- e.Once cool enough to handle, use your fingers or a paper towel to peel away the charred skin. Avoid rinsing them, as this washes away the smoky flavor.
- f.Cut the peppers open, remove the stems and seeds, and slice the flesh into thin strips about 1/4-inch wide. These strips are the 'rajas'.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Rajas and Corn
- b.Add the prepared poblano strips (rajas) and the corn kernels to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- c.Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the corn to heat through.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Cream Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the Mexican crema and season with salt and pepper.
- c.Stir gently until the sauce is smooth and everything is well combined.
- d.Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. It is crucial not to let it boil, as high heat can cause the crema to curdle or separate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Warm Tortillas and Assemble Tacos
- b.While the filling is simmering, warm the corn tortillas one by one in a dry skillet, directly over a low gas flame, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave until they are soft and pliable.
- c.Spoon a generous amount of the rajas con crema filling into the center of each warm tortilla.
- d.Garnish with crumbled queso fresco and freshly chopped cilantro.
- e.Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smokiest flavor, char the peppers directly over a gas stove flame until completely blackened.
- 2Don't skip steaming the peppers after roasting; it's the key step that makes the skins peel off effortlessly.
- 3Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the crema. A gentle simmer is all you need to prevent it from curdling.
- 4Warm the corn tortillas right before serving to ensure they are pliable and don't break when folded.
- 5The rajas con crema filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
- 6If you can't find Mexican crema, a mix of half heavy cream and half sour cream, or crème fraîche, are excellent substitutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Sauté 1-2 minced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onion for a significant kick of heat.
Vegan FriendlyVegan-Friendly
Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter, the Mexican crema with a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream, and omit the queso fresco or use a vegan cotija alternative.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken, crumbled chorizo, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier filling.
Cheesier VersionCheesier Version
Stir 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese into the filling at the end until just melted for an extra gooey texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Poblano peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of corn, onions, and peppers provides dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Contains Capsaicin
Though mild, poblano peppers contain capsaicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to boost metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two Rajas con Crema Tacos contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the specific brands of crema and cheese used and the size of the tortillas.