Chilean Merkén Potato Timbale with Mushroom Ragout, Spinach and Chive Yogurt Sauce
Chilean Food
Intermediate

Chilean Merkén Potato Timbale with Mushroom Ragout, Spinach and Chive Yogurt Sauce

An original Chilean-inspired dish featuring layers of golden merkén potatoes, a juicy mushroom and onion ragout, sautéed spinach, and a fresh chive yogurt sauce. Comforting, flavorful, and rooted in recognizable contemporary Chilean flavors.

25 minPrep
45 minCook
70 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 800 g potatoes (peladas and cut sliced finas)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 6 g merken (divided)
  • 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 180 g onion (chopped diced small)
  • 9 g garlic (chopped)
  • 300 g button mushrooms (chopped)
  • 200 g oyster mushrooms (desmenuzadas)
  • 80 ml white wine (for desglasar)
  • 120 g spinach (fresh)
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 180 g plain yogurt (without sugar)
  • 12 g chives (chopped fino)
  • 15 ml lemon juice

Nutrition facts

per serving

287 kcal
Calories
9.1 g
Protein
37.4 g
Carbs
11.8 g
Fat
5.2 g
Fiber
32.2 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairySulfites

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Toss the potato slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon merken, half of the salt, and some black pepper. Spread them on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.

  2. 2

    2. While the potatoes bake, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  3. 3

    3. Add the button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until they release their moisture and brown. Season with the remaining merken, the rest of the salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.

  4. 4

    4. Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the browned bits. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the ragout is moist but not watery.

  5. 5

    5. Add the spinach to the hot ragout and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from the heat.

  6. 6

    6. In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with the chives and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.

  7. 7

    7. To assemble the timbales, use 4 lightly oiled ring molds or ramekins. Place a layer of roasted potatoes on the bottom, add a layer of mushroom and spinach ragout, and repeat once more, pressing gently so it holds its shape.

  8. 8

    8. Return the assembled timbales to the oven at 190 °C / 375 °F for 8 minutes so the layers set and heat through evenly.

  9. 9

    9. Unmold carefully and serve immediately with the chive yogurt sauce spooned on top or on the side.

Chef tips

For a firmer texture when unmolding, let the timbales rest for 3 minutes before removing the mold. You can also roast the potatoes in batches so they do not overlap and keep better definition.

Substitutions

You can replace the oyster mushrooms with more button mushrooms or with locally available wild mushrooms. The yogurt can be swapped for sour cream for a richer sauce. For a dairy-free version, use plain plant-based yogurt.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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