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Alheira (Smoked Sausage)

Portuguese Alheira (Smoked Sausage)

Alheira is a traditional Portuguese smoked sausage made from bread poultry garlic and paprika served crisped in a pan and often paired with greens and potatoes for a rich yet humble meal
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Drying Time 1 day
Course Main Course
Cuisine portuguese
Servings 4
Calories 594 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the filling

  • 500 g cooked chicken or duck meat shredded
  • 250 g cured meat such as smoked sausage or chouriço, finely chopped
  • 200 g rustic day-old bread soaked in water and squeezed
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp hot paprika
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For casing and smoking

  • Natural sausage casings hog or sheep
  • Wood chips olive wood or oak preferred

Instructions
 

  • To begin, tear the bread into chunks, soak in water until soft, then squeeze out the excess moisture. Set the moistened bread aside. Transition to preparing the meat blend.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked poultry and chopped cured meat. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix thoroughly. Proceed to spice blending.
  • Mix in minced garlic, both paprikas, cumin, white pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Pour in the olive oil and stir until the spices coat the meat evenly. Add the soaked bread.
  • Fold in the moistened bread until fully blended. The texture should be soft but cohesive, almost like a thick paste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Move to casing preparation.
  • Rinse the natural casings under cold water, then soak them in warm water for 20–30 minutes. Flush them with clean water to remove any salt. Transition to stuffing the sausages.
  • Using a sausage stuffer or piping bag, fill the casings with the mixture, ensuring there are no air pockets. Twist into 15–20cm links. Tie both ends securely. Move on to drying.
  • Hang the sausages in a cool, dry place for 24–48 hours to firm up and develop initial flavour. Ensure good airflow. Proceed to cold smoking.
  • Cold smoke the sausages for 2 to 3 hours using olive wood or oak chips. Keep temperature below 30°C. This stage adds depth and authenticity. Transition to cooking before serving.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Fry the alheiras until golden and crisp on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as they can burst. Get ready to serve.
  • Serve hot with sautéed greens, boiled potatoes, or a fried egg on top. A spoonful of mustard or pickled vegetables complements the richness beautifully. For true authenticity, plate with care and simplicity.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 594kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 43gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 385mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1130IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 4mg
Keyword smoked sausage
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