Alheira with crispy potatoes

Delicious Alheira with Crispy Potatoes Recipe

If you are looking for a savory and unique recipe, Alheira with crispy potatoes is the perfect choice! This dish combines tradition with modern flavors, based on a special sausage, Alheira, which has its origins in the culinary traditions of a historic community. It is a dish that has evolved over time, becoming a delicacy in many homes. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 300 g potatoes
- 1 Alheira sausage (preferably of high quality)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or sweet pepper powder)
- 1 clove garlic (optional, for added flavor)
- 30 g butter (plus a few pieces to add on top)
- Breadcrumbs, for a crispy crust
- Optional: hot paprika, for a spicier taste

Preparing the Alheira:
1. Preheating the oven: First, preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). This will ensure even browning for both the sausage and the potatoes.

2. Cooking the sausage: Place the Alheira sausage in a heat-resistant dish. Make sure to use a dish that can withstand high temperatures. The sausage will be ready when the skin becomes crispy and golden, so leave it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through for even browning.

Preparing the Potatoes:
3. Boiling the potatoes: Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Boil them in a pot of water with a pinch of salt for 10-15 minutes, until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This will ensure they brown nicely in the oven without turning into mash.

4. Draining and preparing the mixture: After boiling, drain the potatoes well and let them cool for a few minutes. In a bowl, mix the potatoes with salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed garlic (if you choose to use it). This will give a wonderful flavor to the dish.

5. Preparing for the oven: Grease another heat-resistant dish with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom. Then, add the potato mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed. On top, sprinkle another portion of breadcrumbs and add a few cubes of butter for a delicious crust.

6. Baking the potatoes: Place the dish with potatoes in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes become golden and crispy.

Serving:
7. Finishing the dish: Once both the sausage and potatoes are ready, carefully take them out of the oven. Serve them hot, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad or flavored yogurt sauces. You can also pair them with a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Practical Tips:
- Varieties of Alheira: Alheira sausage comes in various varieties, including with olives, mushrooms, or ham. Experiment with different types to discover the combination you like best.

- Enhancing flavors: Add fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the potato mixture for an extra touch of freshness. You can also try using dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the Alheira sausage with a vegetable or tofu variant while keeping the rest of the ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits:
This dish provides a good source of protein from the Alheira sausage, while the potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. They also contain essential vitamins, such as vitamin C and B6, and minerals like potassium. Additionally, butter and spices add healthy fats and antioxidants to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet note and an attractive color to the dish.

- How can I make the potatoes even crispier? Make sure to brown them at a higher temperature and turn them halfway through the baking time for an even crust.

Alheira with crispy potatoes is more than just a meal; it is a true culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. So gather your family or friends around the table and enjoy every bite!