Swedish Charred Sourdough with Herring Butter

Introduction

This Swedish-inspired charred sourdough with herring butter is a simple yet flavorful dish that truly shines when cooked on the Arteflame grill. The balance of crispy, smoky bread and rich, umami-packed butter is simply irresistible. Keep experimenting with different butter variations to find your favorite combination!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, sliced thick
• 4 oz salted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp canned herring, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

• Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
• Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood over them.
• Light the paper and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the herring butter

• In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced herring, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Set aside in a cool place until ready to use.

Step 3: Grill the sourdough

• Spread a thin layer of butter on both sides of each sourdough slice.
• Place the bread slices directly on the hot flat cooktop, closer to the center for a perfect sear.
• Grill for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully charred and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

• Spread the herring butter generously over the hot, crispy sourdough slices.
• Garnish with extra dill and lemon zest if desired.
• Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips

• Grill the bread closer to the center for a quicker char, and move it further out if it starts browning too quickly.
• For an extra smoky flavor, use hardwood like oak or cherry.
• Let the herring butter sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Variations

• Garlic-Herb Butter: Replace herring with roasted garlic and thyme for a rich, aromatic twist.
• Smoked Salmon Butter: Swap herring for smoked salmon for a smoother, milder seafood butter.
• Spicy Herring Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Truffle Butter: Incorporate truffle oil into the butter mix for a luxurious, earthy depth.
• Lemon-Caper Butter: Add finely chopped capers and extra lemon zest for a briny, tangy taste.

Best Pairings

• A crisp, cold craft lager or pale ale
• A glass of chilled dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled pickled vegetables for an extra tangy side
• A light cucumber and dill salad to balance the richness

Conclusion

This Swedish-inspired charred sourdough with herring butter is a simple yet flavorful dish that truly shines when cooked on the Arteflame grill. The balance of crispy, smoky bread and rich, umami-packed butter is simply irresistible. Keep experimenting with different butter variations to find your favorite combination!