Rajas is a classic Mexican taco filling made of charred poblano peppers that are steeped in seasoned cream. This version includes sweet corn, too, to balance the smoke and spice.

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Credit: Brie Passano

Recipe Summary

hands-on:
20 mins
total:
1 hr
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Preheat broiler. Place whole poblano chiles on a baking sheet. Broil 4 inches from the heat, turning chiles occasionally, until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer chiles to a brown paper bag or a bowl; fold top to seal bag or cover bowl. Let chiles steam 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Wearing rubber gloves, scrape off and discard blackened skin from chiles. (Rubbing chiles with paper towels can help with removing skin.) Remove and discard seeds and stems from chiles. Cut chiles into long strips (rajas) that are at least 1/4 inch wide.

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  • In a large cast-iron skillet, melt butter over medium. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and charred at the edges, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in poblano strips, the corn and oregano; reduce heat to low. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add crema and turn off heat. Stir until crema is melted and  oats the vegetables. Season to taste with salt. Serve vegetable mixture in tortillas topped with cheese, cilantro, cabbage, and/or jalapeño slices. Squeeze lime wedges over top.

Tips

Ingredients tip: Poblanos are relatively mild chile peppers, but their heat level can vary throughout the season. If you are concerned about spiciness, substitute 1 large green bell pepper for 2 poblano chiles.Nutrition Facts (per serving): 156 cal., 7 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 19 mg chol., 157 mg sodium, 20 g carb., 2 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 5 g pro.Daily Values: 10% vit. A, 243% vit. C, 10% calcium, 10% iron.

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