Alheira facts for kids
Alheira sold at a market in Portugal
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| Place of origin | Portugal |
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| Region or state | Mirandela |
| Main ingredients | Beef, poultry, bread, olive oil, lard, garlic and paprika. |
| Other information | Kosher variation of a Chouriço |
Alheira (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈʎejɾɐ]) is a special type of Portuguese sausage. It is made with different meats, like duck, chicken, veal, or rabbit. It also contains bread, which gives it a unique texture.
The name alheira comes from the Portuguese word alho, which means garlic. Long ago, any sausage seasoned with garlic was called an alheira. Today, not all alheiras have garlic, but it is still a common ingredient.
How Alheira Was Invented
Alheira sausages have a very interesting history. They were first created by the Jewish people in Portugal. In 1497, the king told them they had to become Christians or leave the country. Many Jewish families decided to stay but secretly kept their own beliefs.
Jewish people do not eat pork. This was a problem because most sausages in Portugal were made from pork. People would hang these pork sausages in their smokehouses, called fumeiros. If a family did not have pork sausages, others might notice they were not truly Christian.
To avoid being noticed, these families came up with a clever idea. They started making sausages from other meats. They used poultry like chicken or duck, and even wild game. They mixed these meats with bread to make the sausages look and feel like traditional ones. This way, they could hang their "sausages" in their smokehouses without attracting attention.
Over time, this special sausage became popular with everyone in Portugal. Today, alheira is a well-known part of Portuguese food. Its recipe is no longer strictly guided by Jewish dietary rules.
How Alheira is Eaten
Traditionally, alheiras were cooked by grilling or roasting them. They were often served with simple boiled vegetables.
Today, you will often find alheiras fried. They are usually served with french fries and a fried egg on the side. Alheiras are often one of the more affordable dishes on restaurant menus. However, alheiras made with wild game can be more expensive.
Where Alheira Comes From
While alheiras are very famous in the city of Mirandela, other regions are also known for them. The areas of Beira Alta and Trás-os-Montes are also well-known for making delicious alheiras.
Some types of alheira have a special protection status called PGI. This means they can only be made in certain places using traditional methods. Examples include Alheira de Vinhais and Alheira de Barroso-Montalegre.
See also
In Spanish: Alheira para niños
