Crispy Grilled Norwegian Potatoes with Smoked Salt

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about Scandinavian cuisine; it relies on simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and the transformative power of fire to create comforting masterpieces. These Grilled Norwegian Potatoes are the perfect example, transforming the humble tuber into a golden, crispy delight that often steals the show from the main protein. By using the Arteflame grill, we achieve a sear that a standard grate simply cannot replicate. The solid carbon steel cooktop caramelizes the butter and herbs directly into the potato skins, creating a texture that is shatteringly crisp on the outside while remaining fluffy and tender within. Enhanced with the deep, savory notes of smoked salt, the earthy punch of caraway seeds, and the brightness of fresh dill, this side dish brings a taste of the Nordic fjords right to your backyard barbecue. It is an effortless yet elegant dish that speaks to the heart of open-fire cooking.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 2 lbs Baby Potatoes (New potatoes or Yukon Gold), washed and dried
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Whole Caraway Seeds (lightly crushed)
• 1 tbsp Smoked Sea Salt (Maldon or similar high-quality flake)
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, finely chopped

Optional Garnish

• 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Parboil

1. Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. If they are larger than a golf ball, cut them in half; otherwise, leave them whole to preserve moisture.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be fork-tender but not falling apart.
3. Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry in a colander for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin later on the grill.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You are aiming for a consistent medium-high heat on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Allow the griddle to heat up for about 15 minutes. Scrape down the surface to ensure it is clean and ready for cooking.
3. Lightly oil the section of the cooktop where you plan to cook the potatoes to prevent initial sticking.

Step 3: Seasoning the Potatoes

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, caraway seeds, black pepper, and half of the chopped dill.
2. Toss the parboiled potatoes in this mixture until they are evenly coated. Reserve the smoked salt for the actual grilling process to prevent it from dissolving too early.

Step 4: Grilling to Perfection

1. Place the potatoes onto the flat steel cooktop. If they are halved, place the cut side down first to get a deep, golden sear.
2. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. Use the different heat zones of the Arteflame: move them closer to the center if you need more browning, or toward the outer edge if they are cooking too fast.
3. As they grill, sprinkle the smoked salt generously over the potatoes. The heat will help the salt adhere and infuse that campfire flavor.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on all sides, remove them from the grill and place them in a serving dish.
2. Immediately toss with the remaining fresh dill while they are still hot.
3. Serve with a side of sour cream and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips

To master this Norwegian classic on the Arteflame, temperature management is key. The beauty of the flat top griddle is the gradient heat. Start searing the potatoes near the hotter center to establish that initial crust, then move them toward the cooler outer edge to finish cooking through without burning the butter solids. Ensure your potatoes are completely dry after parboiling; excess moisture creates steam, which is the enemy of crispiness. If you cannot find smoked salt, you can use regular flake salt, but the slight smokiness provided by the Arteflame wood fire will still give you a fantastic result. However, the specific addition of smoked salt elevates the dish to match the traditional flavor profile intended. Lastly, don't skimp on the butter; it helps conduct the heat and browns the milk solids for a nutty, rich flavor profile.

Variations

While the traditional recipe highlights the simplicity of dill and caraway, these potatoes are a versatile canvas for other flavors. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit the rest of your menu or your personal preferences. Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:

• Cheesy Norwegian Style: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle grated Jarlsberg cheese over the potatoes and cover with a basting dome to melt.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a warm heat that cuts through the richness.
• The Garlic Lover: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the butter mixture, but be careful to grill further from the center fire so the garlic doesn't burn and turn bitter.
• Bacon Infused: Fry small lardons of bacon on the cooktop first, then cook the potatoes in the rendered bacon fat instead of olive oil.
• Herb Garden: Swap dill for fresh rosemary and thyme for a more continental European flavor profile.

Best pairings

These Grilled Norwegian Potatoes are robust enough to stand on their own, but they truly shine when paired with proteins that match their rustic elegance. The smokiness of the salt and the fresh bite of dill make them the ultimate companion for seafood and grilled meats. Consider serving them alongside:

• Cedar Plank Salmon: The most classic pairing; the oily richness of salmon complements the starchy, buttery potatoes perfectly.
• Grilled Lamb Chops: Lamb and rosemary or dill are a natural match, and the potatoes absorb the savory juices beautifully.
• Ribeye Steak: Use the potatoes to soak up the jus from a perfectly seared ribeye cooked on the center grate of the Arteflame.
• Pickled Herring: For a truly authentic Scandinavian lunch, serve these potatoes warm alongside cold pickled herring and rye crispbread.

Conclusion

Bringing this recipe to your Arteflame grill is about more than just cooking a side dish; it is about embracing a style of eating that celebrates texture and natural flavor. These Grilled Norwegian Potatoes offer a delightful contrast between the smoky, salty crust and the creamy interior, making them an instant favorite for anyone gathered around the fire. Whether you are hosting a summer solstice party or a cozy autumn barbecue, this dish provides a comforting, gourmet touch that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Fire up your grill, gather your friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food cooked over an open flame.