Francesinha

Dive into the rich, indulgent flavors of Francesinha, a beloved Portuguese sandwich that takes comfort food to a whole new level. This hearty dish layers toasted bread with ham, smoked sausage, and tender grilled steak, all smothered in melted cheese and doused with a bold, beer-infused tomato sauce. Featuring aromatic notes from garlic, onion, and a touch of Worcestershire and piri-piri sauces, the Francesinha offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Topped with an optional fried egg and ideal when served alongside crispy fries or a refreshing salad, this iconic dish is a must-try for any food enthusiast seeking a taste of Porto's culinary heritage. Perfect for gatherings or special nights, Francesinha is a showstopping recipe that captures the heart of Portuguese cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 Bay leaf
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
• 250 milliliters Chicken or beef stock
• 250 milliliters Beer
• 1 teaspoon Piri-piri sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 4 Thick slices of white bread
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 4 slices Sliced ham
• 1 large, sliced Smoked sausage
• 2 slices Grilled pork or beef steak
• 8 slices Cheese slices
• 1 optional Fried egg

Directions

Step 1

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, chicken or beef stock, and beer to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3

Add the piri-piri sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of butter to form a paste. Stir this paste into the simmering sauce to thicken it further.

Step 5

Remove the bay leaf, and use an immersion blender to make the sauce smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).

Step 7

Butter one side of each slice of bread with the 2 tablespoons of butter, and toast them lightly on a skillet until golden brown.

Step 8

On a baking sheet, start assembling the sandwich: place one slice of toasted bread, layer with 2 slices of ham, half of the smoked sausage slices, one grilled pork or beef steak, and top with another slice of toasted bread.

Step 9

Repeat the layering to make the second sandwich.

Step 10

Cover each sandwich with the cheese slices, overlapping to ensure the entire sandwich is covered.

Step 11

Pour the hot sauce generously over each sandwich, ensuring the sides are also covered.

Step 12

Place the sandwiches in the preheated oven until the cheese is thoroughly melted, about 10 minutes.

Step 13

If desired, place a fried egg on top of each sandwich before serving.

Step 14

Serve hot and enjoy your Francesinha with fries or a salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1986.6 grams (1986.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2895

Total Fat 174.80g	224%
Saturated Fat 85.40g	427%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 675mg	225%
Sodium 6228mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 185.80g	68%
Dietary Fiber 11.80g	42%
Total Sugars 43.90g
Protein 139.40g	279%

Vitamin D 99IU	494%
Calcium 2228mg	171%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 2413mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.7%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 25.9%