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 diytraditional
Skillet, saucepan, oven or broiler, oven-safe dish, knife, cutting board