Alheira is a Portuguese sausage made with a variety of meats (not including pork) and bread. It is usually made with chicken.
The name Alheira comes from Alho (garlic) which is a common ingredient in this sausage. I first tried Alheira last year and fell in love with the flavour.
Alheira can be fried, grilled, and added to several dishes. I love adding it to stuffing.
While in Portugal last winter I was introduced to a puff pastry stuffed with Alheira at a family party.
I was excited to try my own version and here it is…
You will need one Alheira, one sheet of puff pastry and one egg.
If you can not find Alheira in the supermarket you can try this recipe with your favourite Portuguese sausage.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Stretch the puff pastry on to a sheet of parchment paper.
Remove Alheira from its casing and spread mixture in the centre of the pastry.
Cut slits on both sides of the pastry, approximately one third of the way in.
Starting at one end, bring the cut sides to the centre by braiding them, continue braiding until complete.
Beat egg and brush over pastry. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
This Alheira Braid can be served warm or cold. Cut into thin slices it makes a great appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry
- 1 alheira
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375
- Spread out puff pastry
- Remove Alheira from casing and spread in centre of pastry
- Cut slits down both sides of pastry, one third in
- Close pastry over the Alheira mixture by bringing the cut sides of the pastry in, braiding it as you go
- Brush with egg wash
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown
Hope you give this recipe a try next time you need an appetizer
or as an addition to your buffet table.
