Identifying a mystery spice...

Question

A friend just returned after spending three weeks in Uruguay and gave me a spice I can not identify. It is called "ajil (iva basico)". It simply came in a 0.100 kg plastic bag with no instructions or description. It almost looks like a mixture of several spices and has a slightly garlicky aroma.

I have done a search and can't seem to find any helpful information. My friend, who speaks no Spanish, thought I would know what it was.

Any information would be appreciated!

Answer 1

link text

The above site from Uruguay has this entry:

ajo y perejil "ajil"

Edit to add additional link: link text

"persillade" o "ajil":

Es una combinación de ajo y perejil picado. Muy utilizado en la cocina mediterránea. Se agrega al final de la cocción o al servir.

Bien hecho! - Deanski, Feb 21, 2011

Yes, this is great info Stadt. It is the most informative I have seen so far. Thanks! - Nicole-B, Feb 21, 2011

Answer 2

Wow, I don't think this is going to help you but it is a very interesting site.

link text

If it is a nice mix, is it for meat or spaghetti? yum

Great site Margaret. I don't see "ajil" yet. It must be a mixture...but of what? :) - Nicole-B, Feb 21, 2011

Answer 3

It is not easy to find, Margaret and Stadt found the best so far and it seems to ¨check out¨´ as a mix of garlic and parsley. A nice blend anyway. I found a chile called ¨´Aji mirasol" here:

http://www.worldspice.com/spices/0282ajimirasol.shtml

That does make the most sense since it does smell like garlic, but also has a parsley like substance running through it. - Nicole-B, Feb 21, 2011