Those conversos who remained and secretly retained their beliefs avoided eating pork, forbidden in Judaism; this put them at risk of being noticed not to hang sausages, traditionally made of pork, in their fumeiros (smokehouses).

[1] As a way to avoid attracting the attention of the Portuguese Inquisition, or, in rural areas, the Portuguese Christians, they began to make sausages from other meats such as poultry and game, mixed with bread for texture.

[2] With time, alheira spread to the remaining population and became an example of typical Portuguese cuisine, though nowadays its preparation is no longer strictly guided by Jewish dietary precepts.

Alheiras were traditionally grilled or roasted and served with boiled vegetables.

They are often one of the cheapest items on restaurant menus, although those made with game can be expensive.