Special equipment
Food processor
Ingredients
serves 14 tequeños, active time 45 minutes, total time 1 hour 15 minutes
- 10 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 6 tablespoons cold water, plus more as needed
- 12 ounces queso blanco or queso de frier, cut into slices 1/2-inch x
1/2-inch x 2 1/2-inch
- Peanut oil, for frying
Procedures
-
Place flour and salt in the workbowl of a food processor fitted with a steel
blade; pulse to combine. Sprinkle butter evenly over flour and pulse until
butter is cut into pieces slightly smaller than a pea, about 8 1-second pulses.
Transfer dough to a large bowl.
-
Add in egg and water. Using a rubber spatula, press dough against side of
bowl until it forms into a ball. If dough is not fully forming, add additional
water 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together. Press dough into a disc,
wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
-
Unwrap dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a square
1/8-inch thick. Cut off edges to create a 12-inch square. Cut square into strips
3/4-inch wide.
-
Take one strip of dough and drape end over top of one cheese slice. Wrap
entire cheese slice in dough on a diagonal, overlapping dough. Cover bottom of
cheese slice in dough and pinch edges close to fully seal. Repeat with remaining
cheese slices.
-
Fill a cast iron skillet with 3/4-inch of oil. Heat oil to 400°F over high
heat. Place tequeños in oil and fry until crust is golden brown and blistery, 3
to 5 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer tequeños to a paper towel lined
plate, let cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then serve immediately.
