Merguez

Merguez is a spicy red sausage rooted in Maghrebi cuisine that has also gained significant popularity in the Middle East and Europe, particularly in France. This flavorful sausage is typically made from raw lamb, beef, or a combination of both, encased in lamb intestine. It is generously seasoned with spices such as cumin, chili pepper, harissa, sumac, fennel, and garlic, which give it its distinctive piquancy and vibrant red color.

Merguez is usually grilled and can add a burst of flavor to tagines. It's also delightful in sandwiches and pairs well with French fries.

The name "Merguez" has several spellings in Arabic, including "مِركس" (mirkas), "مراكس" (marākis), "مِركاس" (mirkās), "مَركس" (markas), and "مِرقاز" (mirqāz). This sausage has deep roots in the Maghreb region, with its name first appearing in Andalusian Arabic in the 12th century as "mirkās" or "merkās." Some speculate that it may be related to Spanish terms such as "morcilla" or "morcon."