Sugar-Free Homemade Alheira Sausage

Discover the irresistible taste of this Sugar-Free Homemade Alheira Sausage, a healthier twist on the traditional Portuguese delicacy. Made with a hearty blend of chicken breast, pork fat, and chickpeas, this recipe skips the sugar while staying true to the smoky, savory flavors that make alheira so unique. Seasoned with fragrant garlic, paprika, cumin, and fresh parsley, each bite bursts with bold, aromatic spices. This recipe also involves the rich tradition of hand-stuffing natural sausage casings, adding a rustic, artisanal touch. Simmered to tenderness and finished with a golden, crispy sear, these sausages are perfect for pairing with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Ideal for lovers of Portuguese cuisine, this sugar-free alternative offers a wholesome way to enjoy a culinary classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:50 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Chicken breast
• 200 grams Pork fat
• 4 large Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 400 grams Chickpeas (cooked and drained)
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 1 set Sausage casings (natural)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by mincing the chicken breast and pork fat using a sharp knife or a meat grinder, ensuring the mixture is well combined.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the minced chicken and pork fat to the skillet, stirring continuously to break down the meat. Cook until the meat is browned thoroughly.

Step 5

Add the cooked chickpeas into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a little water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 6

Mix the blended chickpeas into the cooked meat mixture. Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley until the spices are fully integrated.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture rest and cool slightly.

Step 8

Prepare the natural sausage casings by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water and soaking them in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes.

Step 9

Fit a sausage stuffer with the casings and carefully fill them with the cooled meat mixture, making sure to pack tightly but not too full as to prevent splitting.

Step 10

Twist the sausages at intervals to form individual links, ensuring each link is roughly the same length.

Step 11

In a large pot, bring water to a gentle boil and add the bay leaves. Lower the sausage links into the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Step 12

Simmer the sausages for about 20 minutes, making sure not to let the water come to a rolling boil.

Step 13

Once cooked, remove the sausages from the water and allow them to cool.

Step 14

For the best flavor, grill or pan-fry the sausages before serving, until the casing is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 15

Serve warm with your choice of sides or bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1184.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2978.6

Total Fat 198.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 625mg	0%
Sodium 4691.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 180.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 355.0mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 2905.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.6%

Protein: 24.0%

Carbs: 16.4%