This smoked Portuguese sausage is typically made with a combination of various types of meat, bread, garlic, olive oil, and paprika. It is believed that the original alheira was invented during the Inquisition by Portuguese Jews who had to practice Jewish tradition in secret.

To disguise as Christians, they started producing sausages but would replace the traditional pork meat with poultry and game. The sausage soon became popular throughout the country, and today it comes in numerous varieties that sometimes even use fish or pork meat and fat as the base.

Though it can be grilled or boiled, it is most commonly deep-fried, topped with a fried egg and accompanied by rice, salad, and fries.