Venezuelan Tequeños

Tequeños are a traditional Venezuelan snack made by wrapping cheese sticks in dough and frying them until golden and crispy. Often enjoyed with a zesty avocado sauce called Guasacaca.

Cook time: 60 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter softened
• 0.5 cup water or more if needed
• 12 cheese sticks queso blanco, mozzarella, or string cheese; about 3-4 inches long
• 0 vegetable oil for frying
• 1 avocado
• 0.5 green bell pepper chopped
• 0.25 cup cilantro fresh leaves
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 1 lime juice of

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add softened butter to the mixture and use your hands to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add water while mixing, until the dough comes together into a soft, smooth ball. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
4. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Cut it into long strips, about ½ inch wide and 10 inches long.
6. Take each cheese stick and wrap the dough strip around it, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
7. Pinch both ends of the tequeños to make sure the cheese is fully enclosed.
8. In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry the tequeños in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
10. Remove the tequeños from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
11. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, green bell pepper, cilantro, onion, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and lime juice.
12. Blend until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.