Gluten-Free Francesinha

Indulge in the iconic flavors of Portugal with this Gluten-Free Francesinha, a mouthwatering twist on the traditional Portuguese sandwich that’s tailored for those with gluten sensitivities. This hearty, layered dish features perfectly grilled beef steak, smoky gluten-free sausage, and tender ham, all nestled between gluten-free bread slices and smothered in melted cheese. The crowning touch is the rich, savory sauce made with gluten-free beer, tomato paste, and a kick of chili powder, creating an irresistible burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this recipe is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for a special dinner or weekend treat. Serve it hot and bubbly with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 slices Gluten-free bread slices
• 100 grams Gluten-free smoked sausage
• 100 grams Gluten-free cooked ham
• 150 grams Beef steak
• 4 slices Gluten-free cheese slices
• 100 grams Tomato paste
• 200 ml Beer (gluten-free)
• 200 ml Chicken broth
• 50 grams Butter
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 100 ml Milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to caramelize.

Step 3

Pour in the gluten-free beer and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.

Step 4

Add the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the milk. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Set aside.

Step 6

Grill or pan-fry the beef steak until cooked to your liking and set aside.

Step 7

In the same pan, lightly brown the smoked sausage on both sides.

Step 8

Begin assembling the Francesinha by placing one slice of gluten-free bread on a baking sheet.

Step 9

Top with the smoked sausage, cooked ham, and beef steak. Cover with the second slice of bread.

Step 10

Place the gluten-free cheese slices over the top slice of bread, covering the sandwich completely.

Step 11

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Pour the sauce generously over the prepared sandwich, ensuring it's completely covered.

Step 12

Broil the sandwich in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot with a side of fries or salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1217.4 grams (1217.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2092

Total Fat 141.30g	181%
Saturated Fat 67.30g	337%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 465mg	155%
Sodium 6342mg	276%
Total Carbohydrate 89.30g	32%
Dietary Fiber 7.80g	28%
Total Sugars 24.90g
Protein 113.20g	226%

Vitamin D 64IU	320%
Calcium 1107mg	85%
Iron 12mg	65%
Potassium 2536mg	54%

*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: 61.1%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 17.2%