Gastronomy: Merken

Merken is a spice found in Chile, South America. It’s made primarily of a long, pointed chili pepper called “aji”, or “cacho de cabra” in local dialect, and coriander. However, it’s surprisingly not that spicy.

Locally it is used to flavor soups, meats, omelets and salads. I like to add it to sauteed mushrooms myself. You can buy it at any market or grocery store throughout the country – it’s as common as salt.