Alheira
Alheira is a traditional Portuguese smoked sausage, typically bread-based, originating from Jewish crypto-food traditions. It is most commonly fried until crispy and served with accompaniments like fries and a fried egg.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Alheira sausages(These are pre-cooked smoked sausages, often made with bread, poultry, pork, or game. Ensure they are suitable for frying.)
- 4 Eggs(For frying, one per serving.)
- 400 g Fries(Store-bought frozen fries are convenient, or you can make your own.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(For frying the alheira and eggs. Additional oil may be needed for fries.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fries according to package directions or your preferred method. Typically, this involves baking or frying until golden brown and crispy. If baking, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 2
While the fries are cooking, prepare the alheira sausages. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the alheira sausages in the hot oil. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are deeply browned and the skin is crispy and slightly puffed. Avoid piercing the sausages, as this can cause the filling to dry out.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
In a separate clean skillet (or after removing the alheira, if you have enough space and heat), add a little more olive oil if needed and fry the eggs to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over-easy, etc.). This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes - 4
Once the alheira and fries are cooked and the eggs are ready, arrange them on serving plates. Typically, one alheira sausage and a portion of fries are served per person, topped with a fried egg.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not pierce the alheira sausages before frying, as this can cause the bread-based filling to dry out and lose its characteristic soft texture inside.
- ✓Alheira has a fascinating history, originating from Jewish communities in Portugal who created it to circumvent religious restrictions on pork consumption. It's a testament to culinary adaptation and cultural preservation.
- ✓Serving with a perfectly fried egg, with a runny yolk that can be mixed with the sausage and fries, is a classic and highly recommended way to enjoy this dish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a lighter preparation, alheira can be grilled over medium heat until heated through and slightly charred.
- Serve with a side of sautéed greens (like spinach or kale) or a fresh salad for a more balanced meal.
- Some recipes include a splash of red wine or port wine when frying the alheira for added depth of flavor.