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Tostadas with Creamy Roasted Poblanos and Corn

4.4

(2)

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Plant Food Produce Vegetable Sprout and Bean Sprout
Photo by David A. Land, food styling by Carrie Purcell, prop styling by Alyssa Pagano

Roasted poblano chiles and cream are a classic—and irresistible—combination. It's worth roasting more than you need—the peeled and seeded chiles freeze well and thaw quickly. Sliced and seared zucchini or chayote squash is a terrific addition to the rajas mixture.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Serves 8

Ingredients

For the rajas:

10 poblano chiles
2 ears of corn, husked
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 cup crema (Mexican salted cream) or sour cream

For the tostadas:

16 small corn tortillas or store-bought crispy tostada shells
Vegetable oil (for frying; if needed)
Kosher salt (if needed)
1 1/2 cups Creamy Black Bean Spread (optional)
Shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced white onion, queso fresco, cilantro leaves with tender stems (for serving)

Special Equipment

A candy or deep-fry thermometer

Preparation

  1. Make the rajas:

    Step 1

    Preheat broiler. Arrange chiles in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil, turning once, until blackened in spots, about 15 minutes. Transfer chiles to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam 15 minutes. Peel, seed, devein, and thinly slice chiles lengthwise.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and charred in spots, 15–20 minutes. Let cool, then cut kernels off cob.

    Step 3

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden and tender, 10–12 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add chiles, corn, and 1 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Stir in crema and just heat through (do not bring to boil)-vegetables should be just coated; add more crema if needed. Season with salt.

  2. Assemble the tostadas:

    Step 4

    If frying tortillas, fit a large skillet with candy or deep-fry thermometer; pour in oil to measure 1". Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 375°F. Fry tortillas in batches until crispy, turning every 30 seconds, about 2 minutes total. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets and season with salt.

    Step 5

    Spread 1 Tbsp. Creamy Black Bean Spread, if using, on a tostada shell. Top with 1/4 cup rajas, then lettuce, onion, queso fresco, and cilantro. Repeat with remaining tostada shells. Serve at room temperature.

  3. Do Ahead

    Step 6

    Rajas can be chilled for up to 1 day. Reheat and let cool to room temperature before serving.

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