Kiełbasa z Grilla
Grilled Polish Sausage
A quintessential Polish summer dish, grilled kielbasa is smoky, savory, and perfectly complemented by the sharp bite of traditional mustard. This recipe focuses on achieving a beautifully charred exterior while ensuring the sausage is cooked through.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600g High-quality Polish smoked kielbasa(Look for kielbasa made with pork and traditional spices. Avoid pre-cooked or 'hot dog' style sausages.)
- for serving Polish mustard (musztarda stołowa or sarepska)(A strong, grainy mustard is traditional and highly recommended.)
- 4 slices Crusty bread(Rye bread or a hearty white bread works well for soaking up juices.)
- for serving Dill pickles(Cornichons or other pickled vegetables can also be used.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the kielbasa: Using a sharp knife, score the kielbasa diagonally on all sides. Make cuts about 3cm (1 inch) apart and roughly 0.5cm (1/4 inch) deep. This scoring helps the sausage cook evenly and allows some of the smoky fat to render, creating crispy bits.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 2
Preheat your grill: Set up your grill for direct medium heat. Aim for a temperature of approximately 180°C (350°F). Ensure the grill grates are clean.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes (preheating) - 3
Grill the kielbasa: Place the scored kielbasa directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning the sausage every 3-4 minutes to ensure even browning and charring on all sides. You are looking for a deep golden-brown color and slightly crispy skin.
⏱️ 12-15 minutes - 4
Check for doneness: The kielbasa is ready when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) on an instant-read thermometer. The skin should be firm and slightly blistered, with attractive grill marks.
⏱️ 1 minute (checking) - 5
Rest and serve: Remove the kielbasa from the grill and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve hot, accompanied by slices of crusty bread, plenty of strong Polish mustard, and crisp dill pickles.
⏱️ 3 minutes (resting)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Scoring the kielbasa is crucial for even cooking and a desirable crispy exterior. Avoid piercing the sausage with a fork, as this can cause the flavorful juices to escape.
- ✓Adjust grill heat as needed. If the kielbasa is browning too quickly, move it to a slightly cooler part of the grill.
- ✓This dish is a beloved staple of Polish summer gatherings and picnics.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a different texture, you can briefly boil the kielbasa in water for 5-7 minutes before grilling. This ensures it's heated through and can speed up grilling time.
- Serve with a side of warm sauerkraut (kapusta kiszona) for a classic Polish pairing.