Finnish Mustamakkara Sausage with Lingonberry Sauce

Introduction

Mustamakkara is a traditional Finnish blood sausage from Tampere, often enjoyed grilled and served with lingonberry sauce. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill ensures a crispy outer layer and juicy center, using the high-heat searing technique that locks in flavor. This recipe embraces the reverse searing method, ensuring perfect doneness while grilling all elements to perfection on the flat cooktop.

Ingredients

• 4 Finnish Mustamakkara sausages
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup lingonberries (or lingonberry jam)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Rye bread (optional, for serving)
• Pickled cucumbers (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and let the fire build.
5. Wait for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the lingonberry sauce

1. If using fresh lingonberries, place them on the flat cooktop.
2. Add honey and cinnamon.
3. Let them cook down, stirring occasionally, until softened.
4. Once cooked, mash them slightly and set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Mustamakkara sausages

1. Place the sausages on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
2. Let them sear for about 1-2 minutes per side to lock in juices.
3. Move the sausages to the flat griddle cooktop.
4. Let them cook slowly until heated through (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 4: Toast rye bread (optional)

1. Place rye bread slices on the outer edge of the cooktop.
2. Let them warm and crisp up for a few minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the sausages from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 15°F below the target.
2. Serve with lingonberry sauce.
3. Add pickled cucumbers on the side.
4. Optional: Serve with warm rye bread.

Tips

• Grill the sausages slowly on the flat top for added flavor.
• Butter enhances flavor better than oil.
• Use the hottest part of the grill for searing before moving to lower temperatures.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the lingonberry sauce.
2. Garlic Herb: Rub the sausages with minced garlic and fresh thyme.
3. Sweet & Savory: Mix a little maple syrup into the lingonberry sauce.
4. Apple Infused: Grill thin apple slices alongside the sausage for a fruity twist.
5. Cheese-Stuffed: Slice the sausage slightly and insert smoked cheese before grilling.

Conclusion

Cooking Mustamakkara on the Arteflame grill brings out the best flavors, with a crispy exterior and juicy center. Paired with lingonberries, this dish delivers an authentic Finnish experience.

Best Pairings

• Dark rye beer
• Pickled onions
• Roasted potatoes
• Fermented vegetables
• Hard cheese like aged gouda