Learn to prepare Venezuelan Tequeños: traditional recipe from Venezuela

02

Step-by-step method

1. 01
   

   Prepare the cheese

   Cut the cheese into sticks of approximately 1.5 cm thick and 8 or 9 cm long. Use a firm white cheese; if it's humid, dry it with paper towels.

2. 02
   

   Mix the dry ingredients

   Place the flour, salt, and sugar in a large container. Mix and add the soft butter, working with your fingertips until you get fine crumbs.

3. 03
   

   Form the dough

   Incorporate the egg and gradually add the warm water until you get a smooth, compact, and slightly humid dough, but not sticky. If necessary, adjust with an additional tablespoon of water or a bit of flour.

4. 04
   

   Knead and rest

   Knead on a clean surface for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form a ball, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

5. 05
   

   Divide the dough

   Check that the cheese sticks are similar in size. After the rest, divide the dough into two or three portions.

6. 06
   

   Roll out the rectangle

   Roll out a portion with a rolling pin until you form a rectangle of 2 or 3 mm thick, thin enough to wrap the cheese without creating a heavy layer.

7. 07
   

   Wrap the cheese

   Cut long strips of approximately 2 cm wide. Place each strip diagonally over a cheese stick and roll firmly, slightly overlapping each turn.

8. 08
   

   Seal the tequeños

   Close the ends and unions well, without leaving openings or adding too much dough. Place the tequeños on a lightly floured tray, separated and covered.

9. 09
   

   Heat the oil

   Heat the oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches around 175 °C. To check without a thermometer, introduce a small piece of dough: it should bubble immediately and rise slowly.

10. 10
    

    Fry in batches

    Fry the tequeños in small batches for 3 or 4 minutes, carefully turning them, until they are inflated, golden, and crispy on all sides.

11. 11
    

    Drain and temper

    Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper. Wait a minute before serving, as the inner cheese will be very hot.

12. 12
    

    Serve the tequeños

    Serve them alone or accompanied by garlic sauce, cilantro cream, or papelón sauce. The classic combination is the golden dough with melted white cheese.

13. 13
    

    Store without frying

    To prepare them in advance, refrigerate the raw tequeños on a tray, separated from each other. You can also freeze them and fry them directly frozen, in small batches and over moderate heat.