Alheira

Alheira (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈʎɐjɾɐ]) is a Portuguese sausage made with many meats other than, usually , , or , and.

It was invented by the of Portugal, who were forced to convert to Christianity, as a way to deceive the. As the Jews weren't allowed by their religion to eat meat, they were very easily identifiable by the fact that they didn't prepare and smoke the common pork sausages in the smokehouses ( in Portuguese). They, therefore, replaced with a large variety of other meats, such as  and, which would then be mixed with a  dough for consistency. This recipe would spread amongst Christians, although they added the ever-present to it.

Alheiras are traditionally grilled or roasted and served with boiled vegetables. Cooked in this way it retains much of the aroma and taste. Nowadays, however, it became popular in its fast-food version, fried in olive oil, with chips and fried eggs. They are usually the cheapest choice on the menu and only those made of game are expensive.

Nowadays, the most renowned alheiras are those from, although throughout and  the traditional alheiras are also renowned.

Varieties with protection status include Alheira de Vinhais and Alheira de Barroso-Montalegre.