Tequeños are the quintessential Venezuelan snack: thin, crispy dough wrapped around white cheese that melts inside. They are a must-have at any party, family gathering, or birthday.
Time: 30 minutes · Yields: 20 units · Difficulty: easy
INGREDIENTS
500g all-purpose flour
250g hard white cheese (telita or guayanés)
100g butter
A pinch of salt
Water, as needed
Oil for frying
PREPARATION
Knead the flour with the butter, salt, and water until you get a soft dough that doesn't stick to your hands. Let it rest for ten minutes.
Roll it out with a rolling pin until thin, about half a centimeter thick, and cut it into strips about two centimeters wide.
Cut the cheese into finger-sized sticks. Wrap each stick with a spiral strip of dough, sealing the ends well so that the cheese doesn't leak out when frying.
Heat plenty of oil and fry the tequeños until golden brown on all sides, about three minutes. Drain on absorbent paper.
Serve them fresh, when the cheese is still melted. Accompany with pink sauce or guasacaca.
TIP
If you prepare them in advance, you can freeze them raw after wrapping and fry them directly from the freezer when you need them.
DON'T HAVE TIME TO PREPARE THEM?
At CoCo, we have frozen tequeños ready to fry, in various flavors: classic cheese, bacon and cheese, sweet corn, plantain and cheese, and vegan. From freezer to table in three minutes.