Tequeños, the irresistible Venezuelan finger foods, have become a favorite snack around the world.
These golden, crispy, and cheesy delights are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a delightful snack to enjoy anytime.
We’ll guide you through the process of making authentic tequeños right in your own kitchen. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and learn how to create these savory treats that will leave your taste buds dancing.
| Name | Authentic Tequeños Recipe |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Venezuelan |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 16 Tequeños |
| Yield | 16 Tequeños |
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup of warm milk
- 1 cup of queso blanco (white cheese) or mozzarella, cut into sticks
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Toothpicks or wooden skewers
Instruction
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm milk while stirring until a soft, elastic dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into small, golf ball-sized portions.
Shape the Tequeños
Take one portion of dough and roll it out into a thin strip, about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.
Place a stick of cheese at one end of the dough strip and roll it up tightly, sealing the ends so the cheese is completely enclosed. Secure the tequeño by gently pressing a toothpick or wooden skewer through the center.
Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of dough in it; it should sizzle and turn golden brown.
Fry the Tequeños
Carefully place the tequeños in the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tequeños from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the tequeños cool for a minute before serving, as the cheese inside can be very hot.
Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as guasacaca (a Venezuelan avocado sauce) or ketchup.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving Tequeño
Calories: 100 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2-3g
10 Simple Variations Of Tequeños Recipes
Tequeños, the beloved Venezuelan snack, offer endless possibilities. Try sweet tequeños with chocolate, or savory versions with ham or bacon. These delicious twists are sure to satisfy any craving.
1. Ham and Cheese Tequeños
Take your tequeños up a notch by adding a thin slice of ham alongside the cheese before rolling them in dough. The combination of gooey cheese and savory ham is a delightful twist on the classic
2. Bacon-Wrapped Tequeños
Wrap your cheese sticks in bacon strips before frying them for a mouthwatering fusion of crispy bacon and melty cheese. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce for an indulgent treat.
3. Sweet Potato Tequeños
For a unique twist, replace the traditional dough with sweet potato slices. Roll the cheese sticks in the thinly sliced sweet potato, and shallow fry them for a sweet and savory delight.
4. Spinach and Feta Tequeños
Add a healthy touch to your tequeños by incorporating sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese into the dough. These offer a satisfyingly cheesy and nutritious snack.
5. Chicken Tequeños
Shred cooked chicken and mix it with a bit of cream cheese before stuffing your tequeños. The result is a creamy, chicken-filled snack with a hint of spice.
6. Nutella Tequeños
Satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert tequeños. Replace the cheese with Nutella or your favorite chocolate spread, roll them in dough, and fry until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar for a heavenly treat.
7. Guava and Cheese Tequeños
Experience a tropical twist by using guava paste and cream cheese as your filling. The sweet and tangy guava perfectly complements the creamy cheese.
8. Mushroom and Swiss Tequeños
Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese make for a sophisticated tequeño. The earthy flavors
of mushrooms combined with the rich Swiss cheese create a gourmet appetizer.
9. Pepperoni Pizza Tequeños
Embrace the flavors of pizza by placing a slice of pepperoni and a small amount of mozzarella cheese inside the dough. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
10. Jalapeño Popper Tequeños
Add a spicy kick by stuffing your tequeños with cream cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños.
These have a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Discover endless culinary creativity with 10 simple variations of tequeños recipes. From classic cheese-filled delights to mouthwatering bacon-wrapped twists, these delectable treats offer something for everyone. Elevate your tequeños game with ingredients like jalapeños, Nutella, or even smoked salmon. Get ready to impress your guests with these easy-to-make and irresistible Venezuelan snacks.
