Smoky Norwegian Grilled Sausages with Zesty Aquavit Mustard

There is something undeniably comforting about the Nordic approach to outdoor cooking, where the chill of the air is met with the warmth of an open fire and hearty, flavorful food. This recipe for Norwegian Smoky Grilled Sausages captures the essence of friluftsliv (outdoor life) by elevating a simple barbecue staple into a gourmet experience. The secret isn't just in the high-quality meat, but in the accompaniment: a homemade Aquavit mustard. This condiment brings a sophisticated, herbaceous kick that cuts right through the richness of the sausage.

Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe is ideal because the flat cooktop allows you to sear the sausages to perfection while simultaneously toasting your buns or potato cakes (lompe) without burning them. The distinct smokiness achieved by grilling over real wood enhances the savory notes of the pork, while the caraway and dill notes in the mustard provide a bright, zesty contrast. Whether you are hosting a summer solstice party or a cozy winter cookout, this dish brings a taste of Norway straight to your backyard.

Ingredients

The Main Event

• 8 Premium Pork Sausages (roughly 2 lbs, bratwurst or traditional Norwegian pølse style)
• 8 Potato Pancakes (Lompe) or high-quality Brioche Hot Dog Buns
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, for brushing)
• 1 cup Crispy Fried Onions (for garnish)

The Aquavit Mustard

• 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
• 2 tbsp Whole Grain Mustard
• 1 tbsp Norwegian Aquavit (caraway-spiced spirit)
• 1 tbsp Honey (or brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped
• 1 tsp White Vinegar
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• Pinch of Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aquavit Mustard

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard.
2. Slowly whisk in the honey and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Stir in the Aquavit. Taste as you go; the spirit should provide a warming kick without overpowering the mustard.
4. Fold in the chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the alcohol bite to mellow slightly.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a solid bed of coals to heat the griddle cooktop.
2. Allow the grill to come to temperature. You are looking for a medium-high heat zone on the flat top (usually found slightly away from the direct center opening).
3. Lightly oil the cooktop with a high-smoke point oil (like grape seed or canola) to season the surface.

Step 3: Grill the Sausages

1. Place the sausages on the flat cooktop. Position them where the heat is moderate to ensure they cook through without bursting the casings.
2. Rotate the sausages frequently using tongs. You want a deep, golden-brown crust on all sides. This should take about 10–12 minutes depending on the thickness of the sausage.
3. If you want extra wood-fired flavor, you can finish them over the center grill grate for 1 minute for a quick char.

Step 4: Toast and Assemble

1. While the sausages are resting for a minute, brush your potato pancakes (lompe) or buns with melted butter.
2. Place the bread on the cooler outer edge of the grill for 1–2 minutes until warm and slightly toasted.
3. To assemble, place a sausage in the bun or wrap it in the potato pancake.
4. Generously drizzle with the Aquavit mustard and top with a handful of crispy fried onions.

Tips

Grilling sausages seems simple, but achieving the perfect snap without drying out the meat requires attention to temperature zones. On the Arteflame, avoid placing the sausages directly next to the center fire pit immediately; start them about halfway out on the ring to cook the interior gently, then move them closer to the center to sear the skin at the end. This prevents the casings from splitting and losing those precious juices.

Regarding the mustard, the quality of the Aquavit matters. A darker, barrel-aged Aquavit will add notes of vanilla and oak, while a clear taffel style will be sharper and more citrus-forward. If you prepare the mustard a day in advance, the flavors will deepen significantly, making it an even better companion for the smoky meat. Always serve the sausages immediately while the skin is still crisp.

Variations

If you want to experiment with this Nordic classic, there are several ways to tweak the flavor profile to suit your palate or dietary needs. The versatility of the sausage and the robust nature of the mustard allow for creative substitutions without losing the soul of the dish. Here are a few favorite twists on the original recipe:

• The Beer Braise: Before grilling, simmer the sausages in a pan of dark lager and onions directly on the grill surface, then sear them for a crispy finish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the mustard mixture for a fusion of heat and Nordic spice.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Substitute the Aquavit with a splash of apple cider or apple juice to keep the fruity complexity without the alcohol.
• The Reindeer Twist: If you can source it, swap pork sausage for reindeer or venison sausage for a leaner, gamier, and truly authentic Scandinavian flavor.
• Creamy Style: Mix a tablespoon of sour cream (rømme) into the mustard sauce for a creamier, milder topping.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you need sides and drinks that can stand up to the rich, smoky flavors of the sausage and the sharp bite of the mustard. Nordic cuisine often balances heavy meats with bright, acidic, or pickled vegetables. Keeping the sides relatively simple allows the main dish to shine while providing a palate-cleansing effect.

• Cucumber Salad: A classic Norwegian agurksalat (pickled cucumbers with sugar and vinegar) provides a refreshing crunch.
• Potato Salad: A creamy dill and potato salad is the traditional heavy side dish that complements the salty meat.
• Grilled Root Vegetables: Throw some carrots, parsnips, or beets on the Arteflame alongside the sausages for earthy sweetness.
• The Drink: A cold, crisp Pilsner or a light Pale Ale pairs perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling elderflower pressé.

Conclusion

This recipe for Norwegian Smoky Grilled Sausages with Aquavit Mustard is more than just a quick meal; it is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the ritual of cooking over fire. The combination of the juicy, char-grilled meat with the complex, spirited tang of the mustard creates a flavor profile that is both rustic and refined. It is a testament to how a few high-quality ingredients can be transformed into something memorable.

Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or new to the world of flat-top grilling, this dish is forgiving and rewarding. So, gather your friends, pour a little extra Aquavit for sipping (skål!), and enjoy the simple pleasures of Nordic-inspired barbecue on your Arteflame. It’s a culinary journey to the fjords without leaving your backyard.