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Francesinha — Porto's legendary meat sandwich in beer-tomato sauce
4
Units:
Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min
For the Sandwich (each)
2 thick slices white bread
1 thin beef steak (sirloin)
1 slice cooked ham
1 linguiça or fresh sausage, cooked and halved lengthwise
5 slices Edam or similar melting cheese
1 fried egg (optional) (~2 oz)
For the Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped (~4 oz)
1 clove garlic, minced (~¼ oz)
1 bay leaf
1 cup beef broth
½ cup tomato passata
½ cup lager beer
1 tbsp Port wine (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Pinch of chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Originating from Porto, the Francesinha ('Little Frenchie') is a decadent, multi-layered meat sandwich smothered in melted cheese and drowned in a rich, slightly spicy beer and tomato sauce. It's a hearty, indulgent challenge and an absolute delight.
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add bay leaf, broth, tomato, beer, and Port wine. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
- Whisk in cornstarch slurry until thickened. Season and keep warm.
- Toast bread slices. Cook steak and sausage.
- Layer ham, steak, and sausage on one bread slice. Top with second slice.
- Place sandwich in an oven-safe dish. Cover completely with cheese slices.
- Broil until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Pour hot sauce generously over the sandwich. Top with a fried egg if desired. Serve immediately with French fries.
Tips
- The sauce makes or breaks a Francesinha — don't skimp on simmering time
- Use a good Portuguese lager for authentic flavor
- This is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork, not picked up
📅 Created: 4/23/2025, 10:42:50 PM 📌 diy📌 traditional 🔧 Skillet, saucepan, oven or broiler, oven-safe dish, knife, cutting board