Delicious and Authentic Venezuelan Tequeño Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 90 grams of white sugar
  • 100 grams of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 200 grams of queso de mano (or any type of white, semi-hard cheese)
  • 1 liter of vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the softened butter to the flour mixture and mix with your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Gradually add the water, kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more water.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into strips that are about 1 cm wide and 10 cm long.
  6. After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Cut the dough into small rectangles (about 5 cm x 10 cm).
  8. Place a strip of cheese onto each rectangle of dough. Roll the dough around the cheese, making sure to seal the ends well.
  9. Brush each tequeño with the beaten egg.
  10. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 180 degrees Celsius.
  11. Fry the tequeños in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  12. Remove the tequeños with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  13. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Replace the queso de mano with any other type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Include a slice of ham or a strip of cooked bacon along with the cheese for a meaty variation.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the cheese with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by sprinkling a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the tequeños after frying.
  • Try a different dipping sauce such as salsa verde, spicy mayo, or guacamole.
  • Experiment with different shapes and sizes for the tequeños, such as making them bite-sized or twisting the dough before rolling.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
  • Add a kick of spice by mixing some finely chopped jalapenos or red chili flakes into the dough.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious Tequeño recipe! This popular Venezuelan snack is beloved for its cheesy goodness wrapped in a crispy, golden shell. Tequeños are simple to make, requiring only a handful of basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, butter, water, egg, queso de mano (or a similar semi-hard white cheese), and vegetable oil for frying. The process involves making a dough, wrapping it around strips of cheese, and frying to create the perfect bite. These treats are ideal for parties, picnics, or just a fun family cooking session. Get ready to fall in love with these cheesy delights!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Yes, you can use any type of white, semi-hard cheese that melts well. Queso de mano is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
  2. Can I bake the tequeños instead of frying them?
    Yes, you can bake the tequeños instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the tequeños for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes, you can make the dough in advance. After kneading the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the tequeños.
  4. Can I freeze the tequeños?
    Yes, you can freeze the tequeños before frying them. After assembling the tequeños, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
  5. How do I store leftovers?
    If you have any leftover tequeños, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tequeños are considered a national treasure in Venezuela, where they have been enjoyed as a beloved snack for centuries. A favorite at birthdays, weddings, and even just a casual gathering, no Venezuelan celebration is complete without a platter of tequeños. The traditional filling is queso blanco, a white cheese that holds up to frying. However, the true secret to an unforgettable tequeño lies in the dough, which is characteristically wrapped around the cheese in a spiral, creating a tunnel of air inside. This air tunnel heats up during frying, melting the cheese and creating a gooey, delicious interior. Despite their popularity in Venezuela, the origins of tequeños are believed to be Spanish, as the name is thought to be derived from the town of Teques, in Spain. The beauty of this humble finger food lies in its simplicity, yet each bite is a journey to a world of flavor, tradition, and Venezuelan pride.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.