Smoky Norwegian Grilled Chanterelles with Crispy Pancetta

Introduction

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about cooking wild mushrooms over an open fire, a tradition deeply rooted in Norwegian culture where foraging for the "gold of the forest" is a seasonal highlight. This Norwegian Grilled Chanterelles recipe elevates the humble wild mushroom into a gourmet experience, perfectly suited for the Arteflame grill. The intense heat of the plancha sears the mushrooms, locking in their earthy, apricot-like aroma while creating a delightful textural contrast with salty, crispy pancetta. Unlike traditional stovetop methods, grilling these delicacies outdoors adds a whisper of wood smoke that complements the natural umami of the fungi. Whether you are cooking fresh catch at a lakeside cabin or simply hosting a backyard barbecue, this rustic side dish brings the flavors of the Nordic wilderness straight to your plate. It is simple, elegant, and undeniably delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (approx. 450g) Fresh Chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and large ones torn
• 4 oz (115g) Pancetta, diced into small cubes
• 1 Medium Red Onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: A sprig of fresh thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by building a medium fire in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Allow the grill griddle to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the steel cooktop to be hot enough to sear the meat and mushrooms without steaming them.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop with a high-smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil to season the surface before cooking.

Step 2: Render the Pancetta

1. Place the diced pancetta directly onto a medium-heat zone of the flat steel cooktop.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered out and the pancetta becomes golden and crispy.
3. Move the crispy pancetta to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm, leaving the delicious rendered fat in the cooking zone.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

1. Add the chopped red onion directly into the rendered pancetta fat.
2. If the surface looks dry, add half of the butter to the onions.
3. Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent, slightly caramelizing around the edges.
4. Mix the onions with the resting pancetta on the outer ring.

Step 4: Grill the Chanterelles

1. Add the remaining butter to the hottest part of the cooktop reserved for the mushrooms.
2. Toss the chanterelles onto the hot surface. It is crucial not to overcrowd them; spread them out so they sear rather than stew in their own juices.
3. Grill for about 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until they release their moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Bring the onions and pancetta back into the center with the mushrooms.
2. Toss everything together to combine flavors.
3. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Remove from the grill immediately, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips

Working with wild mushrooms requires a delicate touch to ensure the best texture and flavor. The most important rule when preparing chanterelles for this Norwegian dish is to avoid soaking them in water. Mushrooms are like sponges; if they absorb too much water, they will steam on the grill rather than sear, resulting in a rubbery texture. Instead, use a soft brush or a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any pine needles or dirt. Furthermore, utilize the heat zones of your Arteflame effectively. Start the mushrooms near the center to get a rapid sear that locks in moisture, then move them further out if they need to cook through without burning. If you cannot find pancetta, thick-cut bacon is a worthy substitute, though it will impart a smokier flavor profile compared to the cured saltiness of pancetta.

Variations

While the classic Norwegian combination of mushrooms and cured pork is timeless, there are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit your palate or seasonal availability. You can easily transform this into a vegetarian main or a richer side dish with just a few adjustments. Experimenting with different herbs or fats can change the entire character of the dish, moving it from a rustic campfire meal to something suited for a fine dining spread. Here are a few favorite variations to try on your grill:

• Creamy Wild Mushrooms: In the final minute of cooking, pour a splash of heavy cream over the mixture on the griddle (use a lip barrier if needed) for a rich, saucy consistency.
• Garlic Lover's Delight: Add two cloves of minced garlic to the onions halfway through the cooking process to avoid burning the garlic.
• The Herb Garden: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary to add a woody, aromatic depth that pairs well with game meat.
• Vegetarian Umami: Omit the pancetta and use smoked sea salt or a dash of soy sauce to replicate the salty, savory depth without meat.
• Mixed Fungi: If chanterelles are scarce, mix in oyster mushrooms or sliced creminis for a texturally diverse mushroom medley.

Best pairings

These Norwegian Grilled Chanterelles are incredibly versatile, acting as a robust side dish that can stand up to strong flavors or serve as a savory topping. In Norway, wild mushrooms are often served alongside game meats, bridging the gap between the earthiness of the forest floor and the richness of the meat. The saltiness of the pancetta makes this dish an excellent companion for lean proteins that benefit from added savory fat. To create a cohesive outdoor dining experience, consider pairing this dish with:

• Venison or Elk Steaks: The gamey flavor of venison is the traditional and perfect match for wild chanterelles.
• Grilled White Fish: Serve atop a firm white fish like cod or halibut to add texture and earthiness to a light meal.
• Ribeye Steak: Use the mushroom and pancetta mixture as a decadent topping for a perfectly seared ribeye.
• Rustic Sourdough: Pile the mixture onto thick slices of grilled sourdough bread for an open-faced sandwich or rustic bruschetta.

Conclusion

Mastering this Norwegian Grilled Chanterelles recipe on the Arteflame is more than just cooking a side dish; it is about embracing a slower, more deliberate way of eating. The combination of golden, seared mushrooms and crisp, salty pancetta captures the essence of Nordic comfort food—simple ingredients prepared with respect and fire. Whether you gathered the mushrooms yourself on a morning hike or picked them up from a local market, the result is a dish that feels luxurious yet grounded. As the fire dies down and you enjoy the last bites of savory, butter-coated chanterelles, you'll understand why this "forest gold" is so cherished in Scandinavian cuisine. It’s a perfect addition to your outdoor cooking repertoire that will impress guests and comfort the soul.