Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful sauce to add to your meals? Look no further! HelloFresh’s Smoky Red Pepper Crema is a delightful condiment that will elevate your dishes with its rich and smoky taste. This creamy sauce is perfect for adding a tangy twist to your favorite tacos, or grilled meats, or even as a dip for veggies and chips.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be whipping up this delectable sauce in no time!
What Is Hellofresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema is a delectable sauce made from roasted red peppers, sour cream, and a blend of spices. The star ingredient, red peppers, undergo a transformation when roasted, becoming sweet, smoky, and utterly delicious.
Combined with the creamy texture of sour cream and the perfect balance of smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and red pepper flakes, this crema is a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
Where Did I First Try Hellofresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
I first ordered it from Hellofresh as a side accompaniment to tacos and I was immediately in love. The smoky flavor of the roasted red peppers combined with the creamy sour cream was just what my tacos needed.
Not only did it add a unique flavor, but the crema had a rich texture that made it very satisfying. I found myself adding this delightful sauce to all sorts of dishes – from grilled meats to nachos, and even as a dip for vegetables.
It was such a unique flavor that I just couldn’t get enough of it. A few weeks later, I decided to try making the crema myself.
After researching online recipes for Smoky Red Pepper Crema, I realized how simple it was to make – all it took were a few ingredients, some baking tools, and about thirty minutes of my time.
After tasting my homemade Smoky Red Pepper Crema, I was convinced that it rivaled the flavor of the crema from Hellofresh. The smoky red pepper flavor was even more pronounced due to roasting them in the oven first.
I am so glad I discovered this delicious sauce, as it has become a staple in my kitchen. I can’t wait to try new recipes for Smoky Red Pepper Crema and explore the endless possibilities.
From tacos to grilled meats, this sauce will surely become a hit in your household too! Try it out today and let us know what you think!
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Ingredients
- Red Peppers: In this recipe, red peppers take the spotlight as they are the main ingredient responsible for the distinct flavor profile of the crema. Roasting the red peppers adds a smoky element to the sauce, making it truly special.
- Olive Oil: This versatile oil is used to brush the red peppers before roasting, helping them achieve a caramelized exterior.
- Sour Cream: The base of the crema is made from either full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream, contributing to its creamy texture and providing a rich and luscious taste.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice is what gives the sauce its unique smoky flavor, complementing the roasted red peppers perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: Adding depth and aroma, garlic powder is a wonderful addition that enhances the overall taste of the crema.
- Lime Juice: The tangy brightness of lime juice balances out the richness of the sour cream and ties all the flavors together.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that doesn’t overpower the other flavors but adds a pleasant warmth.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the red peppers into halves and remove the seeds. Place them on the baking sheet, skin-side up. Brush olive oil on top of each pepper half.
Step 2
Peel off the skins of the roasted peppers then place them in a blender. Add sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to the blender as well.
Step 3
Blend the ingredients until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust any of the ingredients to your liking, then blend again.
Transfer the crema from the blender into a bowl or jar for storage.
Cooking Tips
- When roasting the red peppers, make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to allow for proper caramelization and even roasting.
- For a smokier flavor, you can use Spanish smoked paprika (also known as Pimentón) instead of regular smoked paprika.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
- If you want a slightly thinner consistency, you can add a small amount of water or milk while blending the ingredients.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It will still provide a creamy texture with a tangy taste.
- If red peppers are not available, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice as a substitute to achieve a similar tanginess.
HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon lime juice optional, adjust to taste – a zesty and refreshing citrus addition that brightens the flavors and complements the sweetness of the peppers.
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional provides a hint of heat and a subtle kick, adding a touch of spiciness to the dish.
- 4 oz sour cream full or reduced fat, or you may use part Greek yogurt – a creamy and tangy base that adds richness and a smooth texture to the dish.
- 3/8 teaspoon garlic powder approximately 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon – adds a savory and aromatic element, enhancing the flavor profile of the roasted peppers.
- 1.5 red peppers vibrant and sweet peppers that add a pop of color and a mild slightly smoky flavor.
- Olive avocado, or cooking oil, to brush on peppers a light coating of oil that enhances the roasting process, resulting in tender and flavorful peppers.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the peppers and adds depth to the overall dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the red peppers into halves and remove the seeds. Place them on the baking sheet, skin-side up. Brush olive oil on top of each pepper half.
- Peel off the skins of the roasted peppers then place them in a blender. Add sour cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to the blender as well.
- Blend the ingredients until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust any of the ingredients to your liking, then blend again. Transfer the crema from the blender into a bowl or jar for storage.
Notes
- When roasting the red peppers, make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to allow for proper caramelization and even roasting.
- For a smokier flavor, you can use Spanish smoked paprika (also known as Pimentón) instead of regular smoked paprika.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
- If you want a slightly thinner consistency, you can add a small amount of water or milk while blending the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema (approximately 2 tablespoons) provides the following approximate nutrition values:
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 1g
How to Store Leftover HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
To store any leftover Smoky Red Pepper Crema, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The crema will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3-4 days. However, note that the color of the crema may deepen slightly due to the roasted red peppers, but this won’t affect its taste.
FAQs
Can Pregnant Women Eat This?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema. The ingredients used in this sauce are typically safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, if you have any specific dietary concerns or medical conditions, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
What can I serve with HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema?
This sauce is extremely versatile – it can be served as a dip, spread, or condiment. Try it with tacos, grilled meats and seafood, sandwiches, nachos, roasted vegetables, and more! It also makes an excellent addition to salads and soups.
Is it vegan-friendly?
Yes, HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. However, it’s always best to double-check the ingredients list to make sure that no animal products have been used.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for joining me on this culinary adventure to explore the wonders of HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema. With its roasted red pepper goodness, creamy texture, and delightful blend of spices, this sauce is a true crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply looking to elevate your everyday meals, this crema is a game-changer that will impress and delight all who taste it.
So, go ahead, get your blender ready, and indulge in the scrumptiousness of HelloFresh Smoky Red Pepper Crema! Remember to share the recipe with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.