Taco de Rajas con Crema (Poblano Pepper and Onion Tacos)
Why this recipe works
- Smoky, savoury base: Sautéed onions add sweetness while poblano peppers develop light charring for a gentle smoky depth.
- Cooling crema finish: Mexican crema softens the chilli’s edge and gives the tacos a rich, smooth contrast.
- Fast taco filling: The vegetables cook quickly in one pan, making the filling practical for a weeknight meal.
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Ingredient notes
- Choose firm poblanos: Look for glossy, firm peppers with no soft patches; they hold their shape better when sliced and sautéed.
- Use Mexican crema if available: Mexican crema has a looser, gently tangy texture that suits tacos well. Greek yoghurt works as a sharper alternative.
- Add lime at the end: Finishing with lime keeps the filling bright without dulling the soft, smoky flavour of the peppers.
Texture tips
- Let the peppers char lightly: Avoid stirring constantly; brief contact with the hot pan helps the poblano edges blister and deepen in flavour.
- Fill just before serving: Warm the tortillas and add the crema only at the end so the tacos stay pliable rather than wet.
Make-ahead tips
- Cook the filling ahead: The pepper and onion mixture can be refrigerated and reheated in a frying pan until piping hot.
- Keep toppings separate: Store the crema, lime, coriander, and tortillas separately, then assemble the tacos fresh.
Authenticity notes
- A familiar Mexican filling: Rajas con crema is commonly used as a simple, comforting filling for tacos, quesadillas, or as a side.
- Variations are common: Some versions include extra dairy richness or additional vegetables, but the core combination is poblano, onion, and crema.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve and peel the onion, then slice it into thin strips. Slice the poblano peppers into strips, discarding the seeds and core. Finely grate or crush the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and starting to colour. Add the poblano peppers and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until tender with a few lightly charred edges.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Take the pan off the heat and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Keep the filling warm while you heat the tortillas.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for about 20 to 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and lightly toasted. Stack them as you go to keep them warm. If you prefer, warm them directly over a gas flame using tongs until lightly blistered.
- Fill each tortilla with the rajas mixture. Spoon over the mexican crema, then squeeze over lime to taste. Finish with fresh coriander and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For deeper smoky flavour, let the peppers sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes at a time so they can pick up a little char before stirring.
- If serving to anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use pasteurised mexican crema.
Substitutions
- Replace mexican crema with greek yogurt for a tangier topping.
- Replace fresh coriander with fresh flat-leaf parsley for a milder herbal finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store the pepper and onion filling in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat until piping hot, then warm the corn tortillas fresh and add the mexican crema and lime just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
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