Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, creamy sauce that's both quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This poblano cream sauce recipe is your answer. It’s a fantastically versatile sauce that elevates simple pasta dishes, adds richness to chicken or fish, and even makes a delicious dip for vegetables. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in your kitchen with this surprisingly simple homemade cooking technique!
Ingredients: What You'll Need for This Delicious Dish
This recipe is designed for a quick weeknight meal, so gathering these ingredients beforehand is a must for easy homemade cooking!
- 2 large poblano peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Creating Your Poblano Cream Sauce
Let's dive into the easy steps to make this quick dinner idea a reality:
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Roast the Poblanos: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the poblano peppers directly on the oven rack and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered. This step is crucial for developing a deep, smoky flavor. Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This makes peeling them much easier!
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Peel and Chop: Once cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skin and remove the stems and seeds. Roughly chop the peppers.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the chopped poblanos, heavy cream, chicken broth, cumin, and smoked paprika to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Stir in Cheese and Season: Return the sauce to the saucepan (if blended) and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious poblano cream sauce immediately over pasta, chicken, fish, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices – chipotle powder or ancho chili powder would also be delicious additions.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a vegan option. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it's still delicious!
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations to Explore
- Creamy Poblano Chicken: Use this sauce as a base for a creamy chicken dish by adding cooked chicken breast to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Poblano Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta with the sauce and add some chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Poblano and Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp with garlic and then toss with this delicious sauce for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This poblano cream sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a versatile, delicious, and surprisingly quick dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!