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The Recipe · No.439 · Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema, and where to source it

Rajas con Crema — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Rajas con Crema Mexican 5best2buy.com

There are only a few ingredients, so the poblanos and the cream both have to be good. The technique that matters is charring the poblanos hard and steaming them so the skins slip off cleanly, which is what keeps the sauce silky instead of bitter and papery.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Poblano peppers
Charred and peeled into strips, they are the whole dish.
6
Local / market
White onion
Sliced and caramelized to sweeten the sauce.
1 large
Crema
Mexican crema gives the sauce its tangy, pourable body.
1 cup
Queso fresco
Crumbled in for salt and little melting pockets.
3 oz
Corn
Optional kernels add sweetness and texture.
1 ear
Local / market
Garlic
A clove or two deepens the onion base.
2 cloves
Butter
A knob to caramelize the onions adds richness under the cream.
2 tbsp
Oregano
A pinch of Mexican oregano lifts the cream sauce.
1/2 tsp
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Getting greedy
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrillOne-potSheet pan
The Method
  1. Roast the poblanosChar the poblanos over an open flame or under the broiler until blackened all over, then steam in a covered bowl 10 min.
  2. Peel and sliceRub off the blistered skins, remove seeds, and cut into half-inch strips.
  3. Caramelize onionCook sliced onion in oil over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8 min, then add garlic.
  4. SimmerAdd the poblano strips and corn, then stir in the crema and warm gently without boiling, 5 min.
  5. FinishFold in crumbled queso fresco and season with salt off the heat.
The Toolkit

Skillet · Tongs · Mixing bowl · Chef knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Rajas con Crema in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Rajas con Crema? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Rajas con Crema ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Rajas con Crema gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Rajas con Crema vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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