Francesinha is a beloved Portuguese sandwich that originated in the region of Porto. Known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish has become a must-try for anyone visiting Portugal. Let’s dive into how Amalie tells us to make this delicious sandwich from scratch!
The Origin Of Francesinha
Francesinha, which translates to “little Frenchie,” was inspired by the French croque-monsieur. It was created in Porto, where it quickly gained popularity. The original recipe has evolved over time, but the essence remains the same: a hearty sandwich filled with meats and smothered in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Francesinha, gather the following ingredients:
For The Sauce:
- 200g bacon
- 100g chorizo
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 200 ml olive oil + 2 tbsp
- 400g diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 small potatoes
- 1 beef stock cube
- 50 ml port wine
- 50 ml Madeira sweet wine
- 100 ml red wine
- ½ L blond beer
- 1 chili (your choice)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
For The Francesinha:
- 8 slices of ham
- 28 slices of cheese
- 12 slices of pepperoni or salami
- 4 thin slices of veal steak
- 8 sausages
- 12 slices of toast
Preparing The Sauce
- Chop the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and potatoes. The potatoes should be cut into cubes, while the onion and garlic can be roughly chopped.
- Cook the Meats: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bacon and chorizo, frying until the fat is rendered. Remove the meats but keep the fat in the pot.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and potatoes to the pot. Stir until the onion becomes translucent.
- Mix in Alcohol and Tomatoes: Pour in the port wine, Madeira wine, red wine, and beer. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, chili, and beef stock cube. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the Sauce: After simmering, remove the bay leaves and chili. Use a hand blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling The Francesinha
- Prepare the Meats: While the sauce simmers, cut the sausages in half and season the veal steaks with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Meats: In a hot pan, fry the sausages until browned. Remove them and then fry the veal steaks until medium-rare.
- Layer the Sandwich: In an oven-safe dish, start layering your Francesinha:
- Bake: Place the assembled sandwiches in the oven at 200°C for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, place the sandwiches on deep plates and generously pour the hot sauce over them. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Enjoying Your Francesinha
The Francesinha is best enjoyed hot, with the sauce soaking into the bread. It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in on your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with a cold beer for the ultimate experience.
This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a true representation of Portuguese cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delightful dish!
