Francesinha

Francesinha

Francesinha is a beloved Portuguese sandwich, often described as a “little Frenchie.” It’s a hearty and indulgent dish consisting of layers of steak, ham, and sausage, topped with cheese, and covered in a rich, spicy tomato beer sauce. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 slices of bread (thick slices, like Portuguese or country bread)
  • 4 thin steaks (beef or pork, about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 sausages (like chorizo or linguiça, sliced)
  • 4 slices of cheese (like Swiss, cheddar, or a Portuguese cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 cup beer (preferably a light lager or pale ale)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, and oregano.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little water to form a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.

2. Prepare the Sandwich:

  • Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the steaks to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook the sausage slices until browned. Set aside.
  • Toast the bread slices lightly if desired.

3. Assemble the Francesinha:

  • Place one slice of bread on a baking sheet or ovenproof dish.
  • Layer with one steak, one slice of ham, and a few sausage slices.
  • Top with another slice of bread.
  • Repeat the layering process for additional sandwiches if making more than one.
  • Pour the prepared sauce generously over the top of each sandwich, making sure to cover all the edges.
  • Place a slice of cheese on top of the sauce for each sandwich.

4. Bake:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the assembled sandwiches for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the Francesinha hot, with additional sauce on the side if desired. It’s often enjoyed with a side of fries or a simple salad.

Tips:

  • Sauce Variations: Adjust the level of spiciness and seasoning in the sauce according to your taste preferences. You can also add a splash of brandy or port wine for extra depth.
  • Cheese: Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor to complement the rich sauce.
  • Preparation: You can prepare the sauce and cook the meats ahead of time, then assemble and bake the sandwiches when ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Francesinha!