Pepita-Serrano Crema

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Rich and creamy with a hummus-like texture, Sandra A. Gutierrez’s crema recipe is great as a dip for chips or slathered on tacos. Fresh herbs and toasted pepitas make this crema a fresh addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. Double the cilantro if fresh espazote, an aromatic Mexican herb, is not available.

By Sandra A. Gutierrez

Updated on August 2, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Peptia-Serrano Crema — Photo: Victor Protasio

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Yield:

2 cups

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Ingredients

1 1/4 cups hulled raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
4 scallions, cleaned and trimmed
2 medium serrano chiles
1 large unpeeled garlic clove
1 cup Mexican crema
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
8 fresh epazote leaves (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium, stirring constantly, until they begin to puff and turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat, and transfer to a plate. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Return skillet to heat over medium-high. Add scallions, chiles, and garlic, and cook, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from skillet, and cool completely, about 20 minutes.
Coarsely chop scallions. Remove and discard stems from chiles; remove and discard seeds and veins, if desired. Peel garlic, and discard skin. Place pumpkin seeds, scallions, chiles, garlic, Mexican crema, and 1/4 cup water in a blender. Process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add cilantro, epazote, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and crema is the consistency of hummus, about 15 seconds.

Originally appeared: August 2018

Pepita-Serrano Crema

Ingredients

Directions

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