Authentic Portuguese Francesinha Recipe: A Taste of Porto at Home

Ingredients

  • 4 slices of bread
  • 8 thin slices of cooked ham
  • 8 thin slices of steak
  • 4 thin slices of sausage
  • 4 thin slices of chorizo
  • 4 slices of cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 beer
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon of margarine
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 200 ml of milk
  • 200 ml of tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the steak slices with salt and pepper. Set them aside.
  2. In a large pan, melt the margarine and fry the garlic until it turns golden.
  3. Add the steak slices to the pan and fry them on both sides. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the beer, bay leaf, and tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Dissolve the cornstarch in the milk and add this to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
  7. On each slice of bread, place 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of steak, 1 slice of sausage, and 1 slice of chorizo. Top with another slice of bread.
  8. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray and pour the sauce over them. Make sure all sides are well coated.
  9. Cover each sandwich with a slice of cheese.
  10. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  11. While the sandwiches are baking, fry the eggs in a separate pan.
  12. Once the sandwiches are done, top each one with a fried egg. Your Francesinha is ready to serve!

Tools for making

  • Large pan - for frying the steak slices and preparing the sauce
  • Baking tray - for baking the sandwiches in the oven
  • Small pan - for frying the eggs
  • Whisk - for dissolving the cornstarch in milk
  • Knife - for slicing the bread, ham, steak, sausage, and chorizo
  • Cutting board - for safely cutting and preparing the ingredients
  • Spatula - for flipping the steak slices and removing the sandwiches from the baking tray
  • Oven - for baking the Francesinha sandwiches

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, for a unique flavor and texture.
  • Replace the meat with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, for a vegetarian version.
  • Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an extra umami flavor.
  • Try different types of cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda, to customize the taste.
  • Add a spicy kick by including sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the sandwich.
  • Experiment with different sauces, like a creamy garlic sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce, to complement the flavors of the sandwich.
  • For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
  • Include additional toppings such as caramelized onions, pickles, or lettuce for added crunch and freshness.
  • Make a seafood version by substituting the meat with shrimp, crab, or fish.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or wraps.

Recipe overview

Francesinha is a popular sandwich in Portugal, particularly in the city of Porto. This hearty dish is a carnivore's delight, packed with layers of ham, steak, sausage, and chorizo, all sandwiched between slices of bread. A golden beer and tomato sauce is then poured over the sandwich, and it's all topped off with a melting slice of cheese. Lastly, a fried egg sits on top to add a final rich touch. It's a dish that's indulgent and comforting, perfect for when you want a truly satisfying meal. Making Francesinha at home is a relatively simple process that requires basic cooking skills. Get ready to experience the flavors of Portugal in your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat in the Francesinha?
    Yes, you can customize the Francesinha by using different types of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or pork.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    While the traditional Francesinha recipe uses slices of cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese according to your preference.
  3. Is it necessary to use beer in the sauce?
    Beer is a key ingredient in the Francesinha sauce, as it adds a unique flavor. However, if you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef or vegetable broth.
  4. Can I make a vegetarian version of the Francesinha?
    Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian Francesinha by replacing the meat slices with grilled vegetables, tofu, or meat substitutes.
  5. Can I make the sauce in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it before using it on the sandwiches.
  6. What side dishes go well with Francesinha?
    Traditional side dishes to serve with Francesinha include French fries and a simple salad. However, you can also pair it with other sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or pickles.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking tray - Used to place the sandwiches in the oven for baking.
  • Large pan - Used for frying the garlic, steak slices, and preparing the sauce.
  • Separate pan - Used to fry the eggs.
  • Whisk - Used to dissolve the cornstarch in milk.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the steak slices and removing the sandwiches from the baking tray.
  • Knife - Used to slice the bread, ham, steak, sausage, chorizo, and cheese.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for slicing ingredients.
  • Oven - Used for baking the sandwiches.

Origin stories

The Francesinha, meaning "Little Frenchie", is a gastronomic icon hailing from the city of Porto in Portugal. It was created in the 1960s by Daniel da Silva, a returnee from France and Belgium who sought to adapt the Croque-Monsieur to Portuguese taste. This sandwich is a testament to the hearty and indulgent nature of Portuguese cuisine. Despite its name suggesting a nod to French influence, the Francesinha is undeniably a Portuguese invention, loaded with local meats, covered in cheese, and drowned in a distinct beer sauce. It speaks volumes of the inventiveness and adventurous spirit of the Portuguese culinary scene. No two places in Porto make the Francesinha with the same recipe, but each version stays true to the iconic, hearty spirit of this beloved sandwich.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.