Makkara is typically roasted over a nice hot grill, like a barbecue. I bought makkara, rolls and mustard from the grocery store. I packed them all in my cooler and hiked into the forest. My friend brought our firewood and sticks for roasting.
Once we arrived to the grill, we made a fire and waited for the hot coals to reach the perfect temperature. We carefully placed our makkara on the grill, turning them every few minutes until they were covered in grill marks. Then, we put them on rolls and covered them in mustard. It was delicious! What foods have you grilled?
Makkara is very connected to Finland! The meat used to make makkara -- beef, pork, reindeer -- is usually from Finland. Also, the Finnish mustard used on makkara is unique. Finnish mustards taste a little sweeter and tangier than American mustards.
To make mustard in Finland, they use mustard seeds instead of mustard flour. Some of the seeds are grown locally, and some are imported from Canada! Finns also add sugar and cream to make it taste sweeter. American mustard doesn't usually have sugar or cream, and instead it is mostly vinegar-based.
Grilling makkara by the lake is something all Finns do in the summer months. Chatting while grilling and munching on makkara is a great way to connect with people. Do you connect with other people while eating food together?
