Authentic Grilled Polish White Sausage with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

There is something undeniably comforting about the snap of a fresh Polish white sausage, known traditionally as Biała Kiełbasa. Unlike its smoked counterparts, this sausage is sold fresh and raw, bursting with the aromatic flavors of garlic, marjoram, and pepper. While it is a staple of Easter breakfasts and often found swimming in sour rye soup (Żurek), grilling it on an Arteflame unlocks a completely new dimension of texture and taste. The flat cooktop allows you to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown caramelization on the skin without drying out the meat, preserving that essential juiciness. When paired with a sharp, creamy horseradish sauce that cuts right through the savory richness of the pork, this dish becomes an unforgettable backyard feast that honors European tradition with a modern open-fire twist.

Ingredients

For the Sausage and Poaching Liquid

• 2 lbs Fresh Polish White Sausage (raw, not smoked)
• 4 cups water (or enough to cover sausages)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 grains allspice
• 1 tbsp dried marjoram

For the Creamy Horseradish Sauce

• 1/2 cup prepared horseradish (drained) or freshly grated horseradish root
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Parboil the Sausages

1. Before grilling, it is essential to gently poach fresh white sausage to ensure it cooks through without bursting or burning on the grill.
2. In a large pot, combine water, quartered onion, crushed garlic, bay leaves, allspice, and marjoram. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer. Carefully add the sausages. Do not let the water boil vigorously, or the skins may split.
4. Poach gently for about 10–15 minutes until the meat firms up. Remove from water and pat dry.

Step 2: Prepare the Horseradish Sauce

1. While the sausages are poaching, prepare the sauce to let the flavors meld.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
3. Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt, pepper, and the sugar if you prefer a milder bite.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve to keep the consistency thick and creamy.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Let it burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 800°F) and the outer flat cooktop reaches a medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the flat cooktop with a high-smoke point oil (like grapeseed or canola) to season the surface.

Step 4: Grill the Sausages

1. Place the parboiled sausages on the flat cooktop. Start them slightly away from the direct center to avoid charring them too quickly.
2. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side. You are looking for a rich, mahogany-brown crust to form.
3. Use your tongs to roll them occasionally, ensuring even browning on all sides. The flat surface is perfect for getting a consistent sear that wire grates cannot achieve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the sausages from the grill once they are golden and sizzling.
2. Plate immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.
3. Serve alongside the chilled creamy horseradish sauce for dipping.

Tips

Mastering fresh Polish sausage requires a delicate touch. The most critical rule is never to pierce the skin with a fork. Pricking the casing allows all the flavorful juices and rendered fat to escape, leaving you with a dry, crumbly interior. Always use tongs to handle the meat. Furthermore, utilizing the heat zones on your Arteflame is key. If the sausages are browning too fast but aren't hot in the center, move them to the cooler outer edge of the cooktop to finish gently. For the sauce, the potency of horseradish varies wildly between brands and fresh roots; start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of heat.

Variations

While the traditional recipe is timeless, you can easily adapt this dish to suit different palates using the versatility of the Arteflame. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Beer Braised: Instead of water, use a light lager or pilsner for the poaching liquid to add a malty depth to the meat.
• Caramelized Onion Topping: Slice onions thinly and grill them on the flat cooktop alongside the sausages until sweet and brown, then pile them on top.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap the parboiled sausages in thin slices of bacon before grilling for an extra layer of smoky, salty crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a teaspoon of spicy mustard or a pinch of cayenne into the horseradish sauce for an added fiery element.
• Apple Cider Twist: Add sliced apples to the grill; the sweetness of grilled fruit pairs exceptionally well with pork and horseradish.

Best pairings

Polish cuisine is all about hearty, earthy sides that complement the richness of the meat. To create a full feast around your grilled white sausage, consider serving it with classic accompaniments. A slice of dark, crusty rye bread with butter is almost mandatory, acting as the perfect vessel for leftover sauce. Grilled sauerkraut or braised red cabbage adds a necessary acidity to balance the fat. For a starch, grilled potatoes with dill or traditional Pierogi (filled with potato and cheese) browned right on the Arteflame cooktop make for an incredible combination. Wash it all down with a crisp, cold Polish Pilsner or a shot of chilled vodka for the full authentic experience.

Conclusion

Grilling Polish White Sausage on the Arteflame transforms a humble ingredient into a centerpiece worthy of celebration. The combination of the smoky sear from the wood fire and the tender, herbal interior of the sausage creates a texture profile that oven roasting simply cannot replicate. Whether you are hosting an Easter brunch or a summer evening BBQ, this recipe brings a taste of the Old World to your backyard. The sharp bite of the horseradish sauce against the savory, juicy sausage is a flavor marriage that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Gather your friends, light the fire, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food cooked over an open flame.