
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 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. 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. 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. 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. Add the spinach to the hot ragout and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from the heat.
- 6
6. In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with the chives and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- 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. 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. 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 imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageT-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
Illustrative imageVictorinox 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
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