Rajas con Queso Tamales

A creamy poblano pepper and cheese variation of traditional tamales, featuring roasted poblano strips with Mexican cheese and crema, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.

Prep: 45mCook: 1hTotal: 1h 45m24 tamalesMediumMexicanMain Course

Ask YoyoChef

Ask me anything about this recipe!

Ingredients

  • masa harina3 cups
  • chicken broth1.5 cups
  • butter1 cup
  • baking powder1.5 teaspoons
  • salt1.5 teaspoons
  • poblano peppers6 whole
  • Oaxaca cheese1.5 cups
  • Mexican crema0.75 cup
  • corn husks24 whole
  • onion0.5 whole
  • garlic2 cloves

Nutrition

220

Calories (kcal)

6

Protein (g)

18

Carbs (g)

14

Fat (g)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak dried corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes until pliable

  2. 2

    Roast poblano peppers over an open flame until blackened, then place in a plastic bag to steam for 10 minutes

  3. 3

    Peel the charred skin off peppers, remove seeds, and slice into strips; season with salt and pepper

  4. 4

    Cream together softened butter and salt until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes

  5. 5

    Gradually add masa harina alternating with warm chicken broth, beating well between additions

  6. 6

    Fold in baking powder and continue beating until masa resembles light cake batter

  7. 7

    Lay a soaked corn husk flat and spread 2 tablespoons of masa thinly down the center

  8. 8

    Place a poblano strip, a small amount of cheese, and a drizzle of crema on top of the masa

  9. 9

    Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom

  10. 10

    Stand tamales upright in a steamer pot with husks facing up, filled side down

  11. 11

    Steam for 45-60 minutes until masa pulls cleanly away from the husk

  12. 12

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra crema and salsa

Tips

  • Soak corn husks for at least 30 minutes before using

  • Roast poblano peppers over an open flame for easier peeling

  • Ensure the masa spreads evenly and thin on the husk for proper steaming

  • Test doneness by checking if masa pulls away cleanly from the husk

  • Make a small batch first to perfect your spreading technique

Rajas con Queso Tamales | YoYoChef