Francesinha (Traditional Porto Sandwich)

Francesinha is a hearty Portuguese sandwich that originates from Porto. It consists of layers of cured meats and sausage, topped with a thick layer of melted cheese and smothered in a rich, spicy tomato and beer sauce. This indulgent dish is often served with a side of fries and is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Prep Time : 30 mins
Cook Time : 45 mins
Rest Time : 10 mins
Total Time : 1 hrs 25 mins
Yield: 1
Servings : 4
Courses: ,
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Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 slices of thick bread (preferably white or Portuguese bread)
  • 4 slices of cured ham
  • 4 slices of linguiça or chorizo (smoked sausage)
  • 4 slices of steak (or roast beef)
  • 4 slices of cheese (such as Gruyère or cheddar)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) beer (lager or ale)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Direction

1. Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • On a slice of bread, layer a slice of ham, a slice of linguiça, and a slice of steak. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.
  • Place the assembled sandwiches in a baking dish.

3. Add Cheese and Sauce:

  • Pour the prepared sauce generously over each sandwich, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Top each sandwich with a slice of cheese.

4. Bake:

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are slightly crispy.

5. Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and let the Francesinhas rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, accompanied by a side of French fries or a simple salad.

Tips:

  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • You can customize the sandwich with your favorite meats or even add a fried egg on top before serving for extra richness.

 

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