British Grilled Cumberland Sausages with Sticky Red Onion Relish

There is something undeniably comforting about a classic British barbecue, and nothing anchors that culinary experience quite like the traditional Cumberland sausage. Distinguished by its signature long, spiral coil and a robust, peppery seasoning profile, this Cumbrian specialty deserves more than just a quick turn over an open flame. By utilizing the Arteflame grill, we unlock a depth of flavor that standard grates often miss. The high-heat center grate creates that essential, crisp snap in the natural casing, while the surrounding flat cooktop allows you to gently caramelize onions into a sweet, sticky relish simultaneously. This dish isn't just a simple dinner; it is a savory nod to British pub culture brought right to your backyard. The contrast between the savory, herb-forward pork and the sweet-tart acidity of the balsam-infused onions creates a balance that is perfectly suited for an al fresco feast.

Ingredients

The Sausage

• 1 Large traditional Cumberland sausage coil (approx. 500g - 1kg)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (for brushing)

The Red Onion Relish

• 3 Large red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Optional: Splash of red wine for deglazing

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by building a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood or charcoal. Allow the fire to burn down until you have a solid bed of coals and the cooktop reaches searing temperature. Ideally, you want the center grate hot for searing and the outer flat top moderately hot for the vegetables.

Step 2: Begin the Relish

1. Drizzle olive oil and add the butter to the flat cooktop surface, aiming for a medium-heat zone (not directly next to the open flame).
2. Add the sliced red onions to the melting butter. Cook them slowly, moving them occasionally with a spatula to prevent burning. You want them to soften and become translucent, which should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Sausage

1. While the onions are sweating, lightly brush the Cumberland sausage coil with vegetable oil.
2. Place the sausage coil directly on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve nice grill marks and a crispy casing.
3. Once seared, carefully slide the sausage onto the flat cooktop, slightly further away from the center, to finish cooking through without charring the outside. Insert two skewers in a cross shape through the coil to keep it intact if flipping becomes difficult.

Step 4: Caramelize and Finish

1. Sprinkle the brown sugar and fresh thyme over the softening onions. Stir to coat.
2. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the onions (and a splash of red wine if using). Let the liquid bubble and reduce until the onions are sticky and jam-like. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Check the internal temperature of the sausage; it should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the sausage and relish from the grill. Serve the coil whole on a cutting board topped with the relish, or slice into portions immediately.

Tips

Cooking a thick coil sausage like the Cumberland requires patience to ensure it cooks evenly without bursting. The beauty of the Arteflame is the ability to manage heat zones effectively. Start with a hard sear on the grill grate to get that smoky flavor, but do the majority of the cooking on the flat plancha surface. This prevents the casing from splitting due to intense direct heat and keeps the juices inside the meat where they belong. Furthermore, never prick the sausage skins before cooking! While this was an old habit to prevent exploding, high-quality sausages need that steam inside to cook the pork thoroughly and keep it moist. Finally, for the relish, patience is key. If the onions seem to be browning too fast before softening, simply slide them to the cooler outer edge of the grill and add a splash of water to steam them slightly.

Variations

While the classic peppery pork and balsamic onion combination is timeless, there are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. The versatility of the flat-top grill allows you to experiment with different accompaniments that cook right alongside the meat. Whether you want to add a spicy kick or introduce a fruity element to contrast the savory pork, small adjustments can completely transform the dish. Here are a few excellent variations to try on your next cookout:

• Apple & Sage: Add thin slices of Granny Smith apples to the onion relish halfway through cooking for a tart, autumnal twist.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a chopped fresh chili or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the relish for heat.
• Beer Braise: Instead of balsamic vinegar, use a dark stout or ale to deglaze the onions for a deeper, malty flavor profile.
• Mustard Glaze: Brush the sausage with a mixture of wholegrain mustard and honey during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mushroom Mix: Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the relish for an earthier, heartier topping.

Best pairings

To truly honor the British roots of this dish, the accompaniments should be hearty and comforting. The richness of the pork sausage and the tangy sweetness of the relish require sides that can soak up the juices and cleanse the palate. Mashed potatoes are the traditional partner, creating the iconic "Bangers and Mash" dish; for an outdoor BBQ version, you can roast smashed potatoes on the flat top grill until crispy. A side of minted mushy peas or grilled asparagus adds a necessary green, fresh element to the plate. Beverage-wise, you cannot go wrong with a pint of traditional English Bitter, an Amber Ale, or a dry hard cider, which complements the pork beautifully. If you prefer wine, a medium-bodied Syrah or a Côtes du Rhône has enough spice and fruit to stand up to the peppery Cumberland seasoning.

Conclusion

Mastering the Cumberland sausage on the Arteflame grill is about more than just cooking meat; it is about orchestrating a meal where every element reaches its peak simultaneously. The unique design of the grill allows the sausage to develop a smoky, crisp exterior while maintaining a juicy interior, all while the onions slowly transform into a gourmet condiment right next to it. This recipe elevates a humble butcher's staple into a centerpiece worthy of any gathering. The combination of savory, peppery meat with the sweet and sour notes of the balsamic relish is a flavor profile that resonates globally but feels distinctly British. Whether you are hosting a summer garden party or looking for a comforting autumn meal, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. Fire up the grill, pour a drink, and enjoy the process of authentic outdoor cooking.