Get inspired by Scandinavian barbecuing

We are starting to take up barbecuing all year round in the UK and are even braving the cold temperatures and stoking up the charcoal through winter. We often consider how our friends across the pond in the USA have been grilling outside for many years, but it’s not quite as long as those in the Nordic countries!

However even the hardy Scandinavians can only stay outdoors for so long before the subzero temperatures become dangerous to their health…

The ‘Grillikota’

That’s why a common sight to behold across Scandinavia is the ‘Grillikota’ BBQ hut, which funnels smoke from a central fire, and provides respite from cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Most common in Lapland and Finland the ‘Grillikota’ huts are used widely by the indigenous Sami People.

The Sami are the only indigenous people in the European Union and live in the Northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden as well as in the Kola Peninsula of North-Eastern Russia. The Sami population is approximately 9,000 strong and are governed by an autonomous parliament in Inari, Finland.

Often thought of as reindeer herders, the Sami use fresh flavours and foraged produce in much of their cuisine including sweet berries, wild game and cured fish. Their dishes rely heavily on wild, natural ingredients and are combined to produce a wonderful array of dishes and delicacies, cooked over hot coals whether in the outdoors or inside their ‘Grillikota’ BBQ huts.

Building popularity in Britain

Inspired by the Scandinavians, ‘Grillikota’ BBQ huts are now building in popularity in the UK and offer a perfect indoor barbecuing solution if outdoor barbecuing feels like a step too far in the harsh winter months. Offering a perfect blend of BBQ cooking and extra comfort while avoiding the sometimes not so great British winter, a ‘Grillikota’ could soon become the next British garden must have!

If your garden doesn’t have the space for your own ‘Grillikota,’ a visit to new glamping village Camp Katur in North Yorkshire may be the answer. As owner Kerry Roy says: “Although all of our glamping accommodation has an outdoor BBQ, I wanted to offer something slightly different for our visitors and felt that the ‘Grillikota’ BBQ hut was a perfect addition. It allows people to sit and cook together and make the most of a very different barbecuing experience.

Not for you?

If a ‘Grillikota’ isn’t for you we have some top tips for the hardy Brits who will BBQ whatever the weather and hope to make your barbecuing experience a good one:

• Make sure that you dress the part. Wrap up well but remember no scarves or other fabrics that dangle and could catch fire.​​
• Position your BBQ for the best results. Shield it from the wind and place about 10 feet away from combustible surfaces and away from any wooden fences or shrubbery that heat could damage.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning ensure that you always BBQ in a well-ventilated area and never inside an enclosed patio, garage or summer house.
• If your BBQ is gas, make sure you do a safety check. Inspect the burners, jets, and gas lines for blockages that restrict the gas flow. Check that the flame burns blue not yellow. Yellow flames indicate clogged air inlets or burners that need adjusting.
• Plan ahead. Cooking on charcoal or gas in pre freezing temperatures can take up to twice as long in freezing temperatures. Make sure you use a meat thermometer to ensure meats and fish are safe to eat.
• Keep the lid down. For the BBQ to retain as much heat as possible keep the lid closed and don’t be tempted to take a look. Trust your timings.

For more information about any of the glamping options at Camp Katur, visit www.campkatur.com