Merguez facts for kids
Merguez
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| Alternative names | مرقاز |
|---|---|
| Type | Sausage |
| Region or state | Maghreb |
| Associated national cuisine | |
| Invented | 12th century |
| Main ingredients | Lamb or beef |
| Ingredients generally used | Cumin and chili pepper or harissa |
Merguez is a tasty, spicy red sausage that comes from the Maghreb region in North Africa. This area includes countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. It has become very popular in countries like France and Great Britain too, especially where there are many people from Algeria.
Contents
About Merguez
What is Merguez?
Merguez sausages are usually made from lamb or beef, or a mix of both. The meat is put into a thin casing made from lamb intestine.
What makes Merguez special is its strong flavor. It is heavily spiced with cumin and chili pepper. Sometimes, a hot paste called harissa is used instead of chili pepper. These spices give Merguez its famous spicy taste and bright red color. Other spices like sumac, fennel, and garlic can also be added.
How is Merguez Eaten?
Merguez is most often eaten grilled. You can cook it on a barbecue or in a pan.
While it's not a traditional part of regular couscous dishes in the Maghreb, it's often added to a dish called "Couscous royal" in France. This is a bigger, richer version of couscous. Merguez is also popular in sandwiches, often served with french fries.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Merguez" has been around for a long time. It was first written down in the 12th century. The word comes from Arabic, and it has been spelled in a few different ways over time.
The Arabic name for this sausage is also thought to be the origin of the Spanish names for similar foods, like morcon and morcilla.
See also
In Spanish: Merguez para niños
