Cilantro Lime Crema

What is Crema?

The Spanish word “crema” translates to cream in English. It is typically prepared using Mexican Crema, a blend of cream and buttermilk. This ingredient has a rich and tangy taste and a slightly thinner consistency than sour cream. It is commonly used as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, and other dishes to add a touch of complexity and acidity.

Though you can make Mexican Crema from scratch, you can also take a shortcut and use sour cream instead. Combining sour cream with mayonnaise produces a tangy and smooth sauce that is not entirely authentic but incredibly delicious. This recipe is an excellent option for those who enjoy a creamy and savory flavor in their dishes.

Methods to make Crema

You can choose from four different methods to prepare a delicious crema sauce.

• The first one involves mixing the ingredients by hand. You must finely chop cilantro green onions, grate garlic, and stir everything together in a bowl. The result will be a rustic and slightly chunky sauce.
• Alternatively, you can use a food processor to blend all the ingredients into a smooth mixture quickly squeezed through a bottle. This is the second method, ensuring consistent texture throughout the sauce.
• The third option is to use a blender if you don’t have a food processor. This is just as effective and will produce a smooth and creamy sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
• Lastly, you can crush the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle until they form a paste-like consistency. This method is ideal if you want to achieve a traditional texture and flavor, and it allows you to control the coarseness of the sauce to your liking.

Step-by-step process

Add all your ingredients to a food processor or blender to make a delicious crema.

Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth. After that, transfer it to a jar and refrigerate it for at least an hour.

Resting for sometime is essential as it will allow all the flavors to deepen and meld together, thus enhancing the overall taste. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will mingle, and the Crema will naturally thicken in the fridge.

How to serve?

You can’t go wrong with lime crema if you’re looking for a delicious and versatile sauce to add a creamy, tangy flavor to your dishes. This sauce is perfect for any Mexican dish but complements other dishes like salads and sandwiches. Here are some suggestions on how to serve it:

• – Enchiladas: Add a dollop of lime crema on top of your enchiladas for an extra flavor.
• – Quesadillas: Lime crema is an excellent accompaniment whether you prefer a cheese or veggie quesadilla.
• – Tacos and burritos: Cilantro lime crema pairs perfectly with tacos and burritos.
• – Salads: Add some cilantro lime crema for a tangy twist on your favorite salad. It works well with taco salads and simple side salads.
• – Sandwiches: Spread some crema on your favorite sandwich for a creamy, zesty kick.
• – Grilled vegetables: Lime crema is the perfect dipping sauce for grilled sweet potatoes, Mexican street corn, stuffed sweet potatoes, and other grilled vegetables.
• – Taquitos and flautas: Use the crema as a dipping sauce for baked taquitos or flautas.

Give these ideas a try and discover how lime crema can elevate your meals to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Storage

To store leftover Crema, it is best to place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. This will help maintain its freshness and quality for five days. However, I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture of the Crema may be negatively affected when it defrosts.