Alheira - Portuguese Smoked Sausage

Ingredients

Minced chicken breast

1 pound

Bread (preferably crusty, day-old)

2 slices, soaked in water and squeezed dry

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Paprika

1 tablespoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Fresh parsley (optional)

2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (optional)

for serving

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken, soaked and squeezed bread, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into a sausage shape, about 6 inches long, and wrap tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to secure.
3. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the wrapped sausage carefully to the pan.
4. Cook the sausage for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
5. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping.
6. Slice the sausage into rounds and serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.