Charcoal Grilled Sausages with Authentic Finnish Mustard

Introduction

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about the snap of a perfectly grilled sausage, especially when the skin has been kissed by the open fire of a charcoal grill. In Finland, grilling sausages—or grillimakkara—is not just a quick meal; it is a cultural institution, often enjoyed by a lakeside cottage or around a campfire in the snowy woods. However, the secret to elevating this humble dish lies not just in the meat, but in the condiment. Finnish mustard, or Sinappi, is legendary for its unique profile: a velvety, potent blend of heavy cream, sugar, and dry mustard powder that delivers a sweet start followed by a sinus-clearing kick.

Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe transforms the experience entirely. The center grill grate provides that intense, smoky char that is essential for the sausage casing, while the flat cooktop allows you to toast accompaniments or keep the sausages warm without drying them out. This recipe marries the smoky, savory juices of premium sausages with the rich, golden heat of homemade mustard. It is a simple yet gourmet combination that turns a backyard barbecue into a Nordic culinary adventure, proving that the best flavors often come from the fewest ingredients prepared with care.

Ingredients

The Authentic Finnish Mustard (Sinappi)

• 1/2 cup (approx. 1.5 oz) dry mustard powder (Colman’s or similar fine powder)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste for desired sweetness)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tsp water)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
• Pinch of salt

The Grill

• 4-6 High-quality sausages (Bratwurst, Polish Kielbasa, or traditional Finnish lenkkimakkara)
• Neutral oil for the grill surface
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Mustard Base

1. Begin by preparing the mustard, as it benefits from cooling down to thicken properly. In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the dry mustard powder and granulated sugar until they are perfectly blended and free of lumps.
2. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and the lightly beaten egg. Whisk vigorously to combine all ingredients into a smooth, yellow liquid.
3. If you prefer a thicker consistency immediately, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a teaspoon of water and whisking it into the pot. This helps stabilize the texture.

Step 2: Cooking the Sinappi

1. Place the saucepan on your stove over low-medium heat. Alternatively, if your Arteflame is already fired up, place the saucepan on the outer, cooler edge of the flat cooktop.
2. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the egg from scrambling. You want the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil aggressively.
3. Continue stirring until the mustard thickens to the consistency of warm gravy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the oil and vinegar. The acid stops the cooking process and brightens the flavor. Transfer to a glass jar and let it cool; it will thicken further as it reaches room temperature.

Step 3: Preparing the Sausages

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high fire in the center with a consistent heat spreading to the plancha (griddle) ring.
2. While the grill heats, prepare your sausages. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts along the sausages. This technique, often called "scoring," serves two purposes: it prevents the casing from bursting under high heat and creates crispy ridges that hold more mustard.
3. Lightly oil the flat cooktop of the Arteflame to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: The Char and Sizzle

1. Place the sausages directly on the grill grate (the center area) to get those distinct sear marks and smokiness. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until the skin is blistered and browned.
2. Move the sausages to the flat steel cooktop to finish cooking through. This allows the inside to reach the perfect temperature without burning the outside.
3. Roll them occasionally on the flat top to ensure even cooking. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the juices run clear.

Step 5: Assembly and Serving

1. Remove the sausages from the grill. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
2. Serve immediately while piping hot. Generously dollop the cooled Finnish mustard over the sausages or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Enjoy the contrast of the salty, smoky meat against the sweet, creamy fire of the mustard.

Tips

To truly master this recipe, patience with the mustard is key. Finnish mustard contains egg, which acts as an emulsifier and thickener. If you rush the heating process or use high heat, you risk scrambling the egg, resulting in a lumpy texture rather than a velvety sauce. Always keep the heat low and keep the whisk moving. Additionally, this mustard flavor profile matures over time. If you have the foresight, make the Sinappi a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors of the mustard powder and vinegar will meld, mellowing the initial sharp bite into a more complex, rounded heat.

Regarding the grilling process on the Arteflame, leverage the dual heat zones. Sausage casings can be delicate; if they are expanding too rapidly and look like they might burst, move them further out to the cooler edge of the plancha. The scoring step mentioned in the instructions is vital—not just for aesthetics, but to release pressure from the sausage as the internal fat renders. Finally, never poke the sausages with a fork to turn them; always use tongs. Poking holes releases the delicious juices into the fire, leaving you with dry meat.

Variations

The beauty of Finnish mustard is its versatility. Once you have mastered the base recipe, you can easily customize it to suit your palate or the specific type of sausage you are grilling. A common holiday variation in Finland involves adding alcohol for a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile. You can also adjust the sweetness or heat levels depending on your crowd. Here are a few popular twists on the classic recipe to try on your next barbecue:

• Cognac Sinappi: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cognac, Brandy, or dark rum just after removing the mustard from the heat for a luxurious, woody depth.
• Garlic & Herb: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder and a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill to the mixture for a more savory, herbal kick.
• Honey Roasted: Substitute half of the sugar with dark honey. This gives the mustard a floral sweetness and a stickier consistency that glazes the sausage beautifully.
• Super Spicy: If you crave extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the base mixture while cooking.
• Vegan Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the egg (use cornstarch slurry to thicken) for a plant-based version that still packs a punch.

Best pairings

While the sausage and mustard are the stars of the show, the right sides can turn this into a complete and memorable feast. In Finland, grilled sausages are often enjoyed simply, but elevating the sides brings out the best in the Arteflame cooking experience. You want sides that can cut through the richness of the cream-based mustard and the fatty sausage. Acidic, fresh, or earthy flavors work best here to balance the palate. Since you already have the grill hot, utilizing the flat top for your sides makes meal preparation seamless and fun.

• Finnish Potato Salad: Unlike American versions, this often uses a vinaigrette base with capers, red onion, and dill, providing a tart contrast to the sweet mustard.
• Grilled Rye Bread: Butter slices of dark rye bread and toast them on the Arteflame flat top until crispy. The earthiness of rye pairs perfectly with mustard.
• Charred Root Vegetables: Grill carrots or beets on the flat top; their natural sugars caramelize beautifully and complement the savory meat.
• Pickled Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers in sugar, vinegar, and dill offer a refreshing, crunchy palate cleanser.
• Ice Cold Lager: A crisp, light beer is the traditional beverage of choice, scrubbing the palate clean between spicy bites.

Conclusion

Mastering charcoal grilled sausages with authentic Finnish mustard is about more than just cooking food; it is about embracing a lifestyle that values quality ingredients and the joy of outdoor gathering. The Arteflame grill acts as the perfect vessel for this culinary journey, allowing you to achieve the kind of wood-fired flavor that a standard kitchen stove simply cannot replicate. The combination of the smoky, crispy sausage skin and the luxurious, sweet heat of the homemade mustard creates a flavor memory that lingers long after the embers have faded.

Whether you are hosting a summer backyard party or grilling in the crisp air of autumn, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It invites your guests to try something new while comforting them with familiar textures. So, gather your ingredients, light up the charcoal, and prepare to transport your taste buds to the heart of Scandinavia. There is no going back to store-bought yellow mustard after you’ve tasted the real thing.