Teresa's Recipes
Alheira - Portuguese Smoked Sausage
Alheira is a beloved traditional Portuguese smoked sausage that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Portugal. Historically, it was created by the Jewish community in Portugal as a clever way to disguise the absence of pork from their diets. This lighter version uses tender minced chicken and rustic bread, seasoned to perfection with aromatic spices, resulting in a deliciously savory and slightly smoky flavor. Serve it sliced with crusty bread, olives, or a fresh salad for a delightful meal that transports you to the sun-soaked streets of Lisbon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Minced chicken breast
- 2 slices, soaked in water and squeezed dry Bread (preferably crusty, day-old)
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley (optional)
- for serving Lemon wedges (optional)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- 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.
- Shape the mixture into a sausage shape, about 6 inches long, and wrap tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to secure.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the wrapped sausage carefully to the pan.
- Cook the sausage for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping.
- Slice the sausage into rounds and serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.
Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili to the mixture.
- Feel free to substitute turkey for chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce like a spicy mustard or a chimichurri for added flavor.