Norwegian Smoky Grilled Sausages with Aquavit Mustard
Introduction
There's nothing quite like the deep, smoky flavor of perfectly grilled sausages, and this Norwegian-inspired recipe takes it to the next level with a rich, homemade aquavit-infused mustard. The Arteflame grill’s high-heat searing locks in the juices, while the flat-top cooktop ensures an even, golden-brown finish. With its unique setup, you can grill everything simultaneously for the ultimate outdoor feast. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!
Ingredients
- 6 high-quality pork sausages
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup whole grain mustard
- 2 tbsp aquavit
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 soft buns
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches searing temperatures (around 1,000°F).
Step 2: Prepare the aquavit mustard
- In a small bowl, mix the whole grain mustard, aquavit, honey, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the sausages
- Place the sausages on the center grill grate for 30-45 seconds, turning frequently to get an even sear.
- Once they develop a deep brown crust, move them to the flat-top cooktop to finish cooking.
Step 4: Cook sausages to perfection
- Let the sausages cook on the flat cooktop, rotating occasionally.
- Grill until the internal temperature reaches 150°F, then remove them from the heat (carryover cooking will bring them to 160°F).
Step 5: Grill the buns and onion slices
- Spread butter on the buns and place them cut-side down on the flat cooktop.
- Grill for about a minute until golden brown.
- Place the red onion slices on the flat cooktop and grill until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Assemble serving
- Place each sausage in a toasted bun.
- Spoon the aquavit mustard generously over the top.
- Add grilled onions and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Always remove sausages from the grill when they reach 150°F as they continue cooking off the heat.
- For extra smokiness, add hardwood like hickory or oak to the fire.
- The butter gives the sausages and buns a rich, restaurant-quality finish.
- Use thick, quality sausages to prevent them from drying out.
- Adjust the heat zones on the Arteflame by moving food towards the outer edge for gentler cooking.
Variations
- Spicy Nordic: Add 1 tbsp of hot sauce to the aquavit mustard for a spicy kick.
- Cheddar-Stuffed: Slice open the sausages and stuff them with sharp cheddar before grilling.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the mustard for a fragrant variation.
- Caramelized Apple: Grill apple slices alongside the sausages and add them to the bun for a sweet contrast.
- Smoky Bacon: Wrap each sausage in bacon before grilling and let it crisp up on the flat cooktop.
Conclusion
This Norwegian-inspired dish brings together the best of grilling with a smoky, juicy bite and a rich aquavit mustard that elevates the flavors. Using the Arteflame grill ensures the perfect sear and even cooking. Whether you're making this for a family gathering or just because you love great food, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Happy grilling!
Best Pairings
- Side Dish: Grilled potatoes or sauerkraut.
- Beverage: Ice-cold beer or aquavit.
- Dessert: Warm grilled pears with honey.