Crema Recipe
Make Crema Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Crema Base
Optional flavor additions
Method
Crema Base
- 1
Combine dairy
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth and slightly loose in consistency. The heavy cream thins the sour cream to a pourable crema.
- 2
Add acid and seasoning
Whisk in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, 1 tablespoon whole milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt until uniform. Taste and adjust salt or lime to balance tanginess.
- 3
Adjust texture (optional)
If you want a thinner crema for drizzling, whisk in an additional 1–2 tablespoons of milk (add by the teaspoon) until you reach the desired consistency.
- 4
Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the crema to firm slightly. Can be made up to 48 hours ahead.
Optional flavor additions
- 5
- 6
Garlic crema
Stir 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic into the crema and allow to rest in the refrigerator 15–30 minutes to soften the raw garlic flavor before serving.
- 7
Chipotle crema
Mix 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle in adobo (or more to taste) into the crema for a smoky-spicy version. If you prefer a milder heat, start with 1/4 teaspoon.
- 8
Sweetened variation
For a slightly sweet balance (good with fruits), whisk in 1/2 teaspoon honey until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.