Grilled Welsh Bacon and Cockles on the Arteflame

Introduction

Experience a delicious surf-and-turf combination with this classic Welsh dish. The salty, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the briny cockles, enhanced by fresh herbs and cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The center grill grate sears the bacon at 1,000F, locking in flavor, while the flat cooktop griddle ensures even cooking without burning. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a unique and impressive meal cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of thick-cut Welsh bacon
• 1 lb fresh cockles, rinsed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the firewood to burn.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes, ensuring the center grate reaches 1,000F.

Step 2: Searing the Welsh bacon

1. Place the Welsh bacon onto the center grill grate.
2. Sear each side for about 30 seconds to lock in flavor and juices.
3. Move the bacon to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking to desired doneness.

Step 3: Cooking the cockles

1. On the flat cooktop, melt the butter near the center.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Place the cockles onto the buttered griddle and cook, stirring occasionally, until they open (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Finishing and serving

1. Toss the cooked cockles with parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
2. Serve the bacon and cockles together, with lemon wedges on the side.
3. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Tips

• Remove the bacon from the grill when it's 15F below your target temperature—it will continue to cook off the grill.
• Grill the cockles in their own juices on the flat cooktop to maximize flavor.
• Use fresh herbs for better taste and aroma.
• Serve with fresh bread to soak up the flavorful butter and cockle juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a little heat.
2. Garlic Herb Delight: Mix in rosemary and extra parsley for a bolder herbaceous taste.
3. Citrus Infused: Add lemon zest to the butter for a bright, fresh flavor.
4. Smoky BBQ Twist: Brush the bacon with a smoky BBQ glaze before searing.
5. Wine-Infused: Deglaze the cockles with a splash of white wine on the griddle.

Conclusion

Grilled Welsh Bacon and Cockles is a memorable dish that brings together the best of land and sea. Using the Arteflame grill ensures you achieve a perfect balance of smoky crispiness and tender seafood flavors. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the variations, it’s a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!

Best pairings

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry cider
• Crusty bread to soak up the juices
• Grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes on the Arteflame griddle
• A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette