Homemade Mexican Crema

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4.3

74 reviews
Good

Homemade Mexican Crema

Homemade Mexican Crema is a cultured cream made by combining heavy cream and buttermilk, left to ferment at room temperature before flavoring with lime juice and salt. It offers a tangy and slightly thickened texture similar to sour cream but with a milder flavor, commonly used as a topping or ingredient in Mexican dishes.

Description

Mexican Crema is produced by warming heavy cream to room temperature and mixing it with buttermilk to introduce live cultures that ferment the mixture over 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. This process thickens the cream and develops a subtle tang, creating a creamy condiment distinct from traditional sour cream.

After fermentation, lime juice and salt are stirred in to add brightness and balance, enhancing the crema’s fresh flavor. The final product has a smooth, pourable consistency suitable for drizzling or dolloping over soups, tacos, salads, or grilled dishes.

This crema can be stored in the refrigerator, where it thickens further. Adjusting the amount of buttermilk used changes the thickness and tanginess of the final cream, allowing customization depending on preference or intended use.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon buttermilk
  • 1/2 lime
  • salt pinch

Instructions

  1. Slightly warm 1 cup heavy cream to room temperature in a saucepan
  2. Add 1 Tablespoon buttermilk to the pan and mix well
  3. Add mixture to a jar and lightly cover
  4. Keep jar on counter (or in warm place) for the next 12-24 hours.
  5. Fasten lid tightly and refrigerate
  6. In a few hours it will thicken even more
  7. Add the juice of 1/2 lime and a generous pinch of salt to the jar and mix well
  8. Taste for seasoning
  9. Serve immediately or store in the fridge

Notes

  • Warm heavy cream gently to room temperature before mixing to encourage fermentation.
  • Culture time can vary from 12 to 24 hours depending on temperature and desired tang.
  • Add lime juice and salt after refrigeration to maintain freshness and flavor clarity.
  • Adjust the amount of buttermilk to achieve preferred thickness and tang.
  • Store homemade crema in the refrigerator and use within several days for best quality.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 54kcal (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8(1 cup)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 54 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 54kcal 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.3

74 reviews
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