Tequeños

Tequeños are a popular Venezuelan snack that can be found throughout the country and beyond. They are made from simple ingredients such as wheat flour, cheese, and oil, but their delicious taste and crispy texture make them a favorite among many.

The origin of tequeños can be traced back to the city of Los Teques, located in the state of Miranda, Venezuela. The dish was first created in the 1950s by a local restaurant owner named Carlos Rivas. He wanted to come up with a dish that was easy to prepare and could be served as a snack or appetizer. After some experimentation, he came up with the idea of wrapping cheese in dough and frying it until crispy. The dish became an instant hit and quickly spread throughout Venezuela.

Today, tequeños are a staple food at parties, weddings, and other festive events in Venezuela. They are typically served with a dipping sauce, such as guasacaca (a type of avocado salsa) or ketchup. Some people even like to eat them for breakfast, paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Tequeños have also become popular outside of Venezuela, with many Venezuelan restaurants serving them as a snack or appetizer. They have even been adapted in other countries, such as Colombia, where they are known as “deditos de queso” (cheese fingers) and in Mexico, where they are called “palitos de queso” (cheese sticks).

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Queso Blanco cheese, cut into 1/2 inch sticks
• 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 1-inch wide strips.
• Place a cheese stick at one end of each strip and roll the pastry around it, pressing the edges together to seal.
• Beat the egg and water together to make an egg wash.
• Brush the egg wash over the top of each tequeño.
• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tequeños and fry until they are golden brown on all sides.
• Remove the tequeños from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tequeños are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that have become a beloved part of Venezuelan cuisine. Their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center make them a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Venezuela in your own home!