Grilled Finnish Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1 cup lingonberry jam
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter (for mashed potatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the meatball mixture

1. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and allspice.
3. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Shape into small, even-sized meatballs.

Step 3: Grill the meatballs

1. Place the meatballs on the center grill grate to sear them at 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a rich, golden crust.
3. Move the meatballs to the flat cooktop to finish cooking evenly.
4. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F, then remove them. They will continue to cook to 165°F.

Step 4: Grill the mashed potatoes

1. Place the potato cubes on the outer cooler zone of the flat cooktop.
2. Grill until soft, turning occasionally.
3. Mash the potatoes with heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper directly on the cooktop, combining thoroughly.

Step 5: Heat the lingonberry sauce

1. Place the lingonberry jam on a warm section of the griddle.
2. Warm it slightly, stirring to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve the dish

1. Plate the grilled meatballs, mashed potatoes, and warm lingonberry sauce.
2. Enjoy your perfectly grilled Finnish dish!

Tips

• Move the meatballs to the cooler section of the Arteflame cooktop if they start cooking too quickly.
• Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.
• Let the meatballs sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to distribute.

Variations

1. Spiced Nordic Meatballs: Add nutmeg and cloves for a more traditional Scandinavian twist.
2. Cheesy Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a cube of gouda for a melted center.
3. Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add fresh dill and parsley for more fresh flavors.
4. Spicy Scandinavian Meatballs: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the mixture for a bit of heat.
5. Mushroom-Infused Meatballs: Finely chop and mix in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

Conclusion

Cooking Finnish Meatballs on the Arteflame grill ensures a perfectly seared exterior and juicy interior. The combination of grilled meatballs, buttery mashed potatoes, and tart lingonberry sauce makes for a balanced and delicious meal that’s both easy and impressive.

Best Pairings

• A dark rye bread for an authentic Finnish side.
• A crisp lager or light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.
• A fresh cucumber and dill salad to add a refreshing contrast.