Savory Grilled Norwegian Blood Sausage with Tart Apple Chutney

Introduction

Embracing the rich, earthy heritage of Scandinavian cuisine offers a culinary adventure that is both rustic and refined. Grilled Norwegian blood sausage, often known as "blodpølse," provides a depth of flavor that is savory, slightly iron-rich, and deeply satisfying, especially when prepared on an open fire. The secret to elevating this traditional dish lies in the contrast; pairing the savory sausage with a homemade, zesty apple chutney creates a perfect harmony on the palate. The tartness of the apples cuts through the richness of the meat, while the high heat of the grill adds a caramelized crust that is impossible to resist. Whether you are using a flat-top Arteflame grill to achieve that perfect sear or simply looking to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to a humble classic. It is a celebration of texture and taste, transforming simple ingredients into a feast fit for a Nordic king.

Ingredients

For the Blood Sausage

• 2 lbs Norwegian blood sausage (blodpølse), sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Apple Chutney

• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chutney Base

1. Begin by preparing all your vegetables and fruits. Consistency is key, so ensure the apples and onions are chopped into uniform small pieces to allow them to cook evenly.
2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds, salt, and pepper so the spices are ready to toss onto the grill or into your skillet immediately.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

1. Light your Arteflame grill or charcoal grill. Aim for a medium-high heat. If you are using an Arteflame, you want the center cooktop to be hot for the sausage sear, while the outer ring is perfect for simmering the chutney gently.
2. Allow the grill grates or flat cooktop to heat up sufficiently. Apply a thin layer of oil to the surface to season it before cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Chutney

1. Place a cast-iron skillet or a heat-safe sauce pot directly on the flat cooktop surface (or grill grate). Add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
2. Sauté the red onions until they become soft and translucent, usually taking about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced apples, ginger, and raisins. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the fruit.
5. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples break down slightly and the liquid thickens into a syrup-like consistency. Move the pan to a cooler zone of the grill to keep warm.

Step 4: Grill the Blood Sausage

1. While the chutney is finishing, brush the blood sausage slices generously with melted butter.
2. Place the sausage slices directly onto the hot flat-top surface of the grill. You want to hear an immediate sizzle.
3. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. You are looking for a crispy, dark exterior while ensuring the inside is heated through and soft. Be careful when flipping, as blood sausage can be delicate.
4. Remove from heat once a crust has formed.

Step 5: Plating and Serving

1. Arrange the grilled sausage slices on a warm serving platter.
2. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the warm apple chutney.
3. Serve immediately while the contrast between the hot, crisp sausage and the sweet, tangy chutney is at its peak.

Tips

Mastering blood sausage on the grill requires a bit of finesse regarding temperature control. Because the sausage is already precooked during its production, your goal is primarily to heat it through and achieve a texture change on the exterior. If the heat is too high, the casing might split or burn before the center is warm; if it is too low, the sausage can become greasy. On an Arteflame, use the varying heat zones to your advantage by starting the sear near the center and moving them to the outer edge to stay warm without overcooking. Additionally, for the chutney, the choice of apple matters significantly. Granny Smith apples are preferred because they hold their shape well and provide a necessary acidic punch. If you use a sweeter apple like a Fuji or Gala, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly to maintain that essential sweet-savory balance.

Variations

If you are looking to twist this traditional Norwegian recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients, there are several delicious avenues to explore. You can easily alter the flavor profile of the chutney or the sausage preparation to create a unique dining experience. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Pear and Cardamom Chutney: Swap the apples for firm pears and replace the cinnamon with cardamom for a more aromatic, floral Nordic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chutney for a sweet and spicy combination that pairs beautifully with the rich meat.
• Bacon-Wrapped: For an extra layer of decadence, wrap each slice of blood sausage in a thin strip of bacon before grilling to add smokiness and crunch.
• Berry Gastrique: Instead of chutney, reduce lingonberries (a Scandinavian staple) with sugar and vinegar for a smoother, tart sauce.
• Breakfast Style: Serve the grilled sausage with a fried egg on top and the chutney on the side for a hearty brunch option.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you need beverages and sides that can stand up to the robust, iron-rich flavor of the blood sausage without being overpowered. The sweetness of the chutney acts as a bridge, allowing for versatile pairing options. Traditionally, this dish calls for beverages that cleanse the palate.

• Drink: A crisp, dry hard cider is the ultimate pairing, echoing the apples in the chutney. Alternatively, a dark Stout or Porter beer complements the earthy notes of the pudding. For a true Norwegian experience, a small glass of Aquavit aids digestion.
• Side Dish: Creamy mashed potatoes or a root vegetable mash (rutabaga and carrot) provides a soft textural contrast to the crispy sausage.
• Bread: Serve with slices of dense, dark rye bread or crispbread (knekkebrød) with salted butter.

Conclusion

Grilled Norwegian blood sausage with apple chutney is a dish that tells a story of survival, tradition, and the simple joy of cooking over fire. It transforms ingredients that are often overlooked into a gourmet experience that highlights the best of sweet and savory contrasts. The smokiness imparted by the grill adds a final layer of complexity that stovetop cooking simply cannot replicate. Whether you are serving this as a unique appetizer at your next barbecue or as a comforting main course on a crisp autumn evening, it is sure to spark conversation and satisfy the appetite. By following these steps and using fresh, quality ingredients, you honor the heritage of the dish while making it distinctly your own. Gather your friends, light the fire, and enjoy the rustic elegance of this Nordic classic.