Merquen (also known as merken) is a Chilean ground mixture of dried and smoked aji cacho de cabra (goat's horn red pepper) seasoned with cumin, coriander seeds, and salt. Produced by the indigenous Mapuche families of Chile, it is now one of the most favored Latin spices in the gourmet culinary world, embraced by many chefs for use in new and exciting cuisines. This paprika-like blend adds a warm depth, intense smoky flavor, and a fragrant aroma to everything from soups and dips to meat rubs and vegetables. Merquen has been highlighted in Fine Cooking, Men's Health, and The L.A. Times.
