Finnish Wood-Fired Bacon-Wrapped Root Vegetables

Introduction

Experience the rich, smoky flavors of Finnish wood-fired cuisine with these bacon-wrapped root vegetables. Cooked to perfection on the Arteflame flat-top cooktop, they soak up the delicious flavors of firewood grilling while developing a crispy, caramelized exterior. An easy and flavorful way to enjoy roasted vegetables outdoors!

Ingredients

• 4 large carrots, peeled
• 4 parsnips, peeled
• 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled
• 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the fire to establish for about 20 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

1. Trim the root vegetables so they are uniform in size.
2. Blanch the carrots and parsnips in hot water for 2 minutes (optional, for quicker grilling).
3. Pat the vegetables dry and brush them lightly with melted butter.
4. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.

Step 3: Wrap with bacon

1. Wrap each vegetable snugly with a slice of thick-cut bacon.
2. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Place the bacon-wrapped vegetables on the flat-top cooktop closer to the center for a hotter sear.
2. Let them cook, turning frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden.
3. If needed, move them outward from the center for slower roasting.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
2. Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.

Tips

• For added smokiness, use hickory or oak firewood.
• If using a thicker cut of bacon, cook at a lower heat zone to prevent burning.
• Remove food when the bacon is crisp, as it will continue cooking slightly after grilling.

Variations

1. Maple-Glazed: Brush the bacon-wrapped vegetables with maple syrup before grilling for a sweet and smoky flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasonings for heat.
3. Finnish Mustard: Brush with Finnish mustard before wrapping in bacon for an extra zing.
4. Garlic & Herb: Add minced garlic and rosemary to the butter before brushing.
5. Cheese-Stuffed: Cut small pockets in root vegetables and stuff them with cheese before wrapping with bacon.

Best pairings

• Wood-fired steak or smoked salmon
• Grilled rye bread with butter
• Crisp white wine or Finnish beer
• Lingonberry sauce for dipping

Conclusion

These Finnish wood-fired bacon-wrapped root vegetables bring out the best of open-fire cooking. Easy to prepare and full of robust flavors, they make an excellent side dish or appetizer for any outdoor meal. Fire up your Arteflame grill and give this recipe a try!