Description
Delight in homemade tequeños, crispy cheese-stuffed pastries that are perfect for any occasion. This traditional Venezuelan appetizer combines a tender dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese, fried to a golden crisp for a mouthwatering treat you’ll love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt (optional, can use sea salt or kosher salt)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh for best results)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (optional, adjust based on personal preference)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (can substitute with margarine)
- 3/4 cup Warm Water (adjust based on humidity)
Filling
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (can substitute with cheddar or queso blanco), cut into sticks
For Frying
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (use high-heat oils like canola or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and sugar until well combined to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Add butter: Incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender dough.
- Form the dough: Gradually pour in warm water while stirring continuously until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Knead gently on a clean surface for about 3 to 5 minutes to develop gluten for a pliable dough.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your working surface and roll the dough into thin rectangles roughly 4 inches wide to prepare for wrapping the cheese.
- Assemble tequeños: Place mozzarella cheese sticks in the center of each rectangle. Fold the dough over the cheese tightly and seal all edges to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Fry the tequeños: Carefully place the tequeños into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried tequeños with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.
- Adjust sugar amount based on your desired slight sweetness; it’s optional and can be omitted for savory preference.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy tequeños.
- Use high melting point cheese such as mozzarella or queso blanco to avoid excessive leakage.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, guasacaca, or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
