Merkén facts for kids

Merkén is a smoky chili spice from Chile.

Merkén (also spelled merquén) is a special kind of chili pepper from Chile. It's smoked and ground into a powder. People use it as a spice to make food taste amazing! Merkén is a very old and important spice in the cooking of the Mapuche people.

What is Merkén Made Of?

The main ingredient in merkén is a smoked pepper called "cacho de cabra". This name means "goat's horn" in Spanish, because of its shape! It's a type of red pepper that is dried and smoked.

How Cacho de Cabra Peppers are Made

First, these peppers are dried naturally under the sun. After drying, they are smoked over a wood fire. This gives them their special smoky flavor. Then, the peppers are hung up to dry even more before they are ground.

Mixing Merkén Spices

Once the peppers are ground into a powder or flakes, they are often mixed with other things. These can include salt and toasted coriander seeds.

There are two main types of merkén you can find:

• Natural Merkén: This type is just the smoked chili pepper mixed with salt.
• Special Merkén: This one has more ingredients. It's usually about 70% chili, 20% salt, and 10% coriander seeds. The coriander adds a nice, warm flavor.

How Merkén is Used in Cooking

Merkén first came from the Mapuche people, who live in the Araucanía Region of Chile. Today, it's used all over Chilean cuisine as a tasty spice.

Since the early 2000s, merkén has become very popular. Chefs around the world are now using it. It's a great way to add a smoky, spicy kick to many dishes.

Common Ways to Use Merkén

You can use merkén in many different ways:

• Seasoning: Sprinkle it on dishes like lentils, potatoes, or cooked vegetables.
• Dry Rub: Rub it on meats like tuna, lamb, pork, or duck before cooking.
• Seafood Spice: Add it to seafood, like crab, as a sprinkle or a boiling spice.
• Flavor Boost: Mix it into stews, savory pies, or purees for extra flavor.
• Ceviche: It's a great spice for ceviche, a dish made with raw fish cured in citrus juice.
• Cheese and Snacks: Sprinkle it on cow or goat cheese, or mix it with peanuts or salty olives.

See also

In Spanish: Merkén para niños