| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 800 | 45g | 20g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 50g | 4g |
Why I Love Portuguese Francesinha
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When I first discovered the recipe for Francesinha, I was immediately intrigued by its complex flavors and rich history. Coming from Texas, I’m no stranger to hearty, love-filled cooking, and this Portuguese sandwich perfectly encapsulates that spirit.
Comfort Food at Its Finest
Francesinha is well-known in Portugal, especially in Porto, where it originally hails from. Its name translates to “little Frenchie,” perhaps inspired by the French croque-monsieur, but it’s a much more robust dish. When you’re in need of something comforting yet awe-inspiring, this sandwich fills that role unequivocally. The varied layers of ham, chorizo, and beef steaks make every bite a new experience, somewhat akin to a Southern BBQ sandwich but with a European twist.
A Symphony of Flavors
One of the reasons I adore Francesinha is its intricate sauce — a harmonious blend of beer, beef broth, and port wine, finished with the tang of tomato sauce and a bit of heat from piri-piri sauce. The sauce lovingly drenches the sandwich, much like how gravy completes a Thanksgiving feast. It reminded me of how a drizzle of smoky chipotle can elevate a simple Tex-Mex dish, giving it an entirely new dimension.
If you’re a fan of Monte Cristo sandwiches or even open-faced roast beef sandwiches, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Francesinha. The melted cheese topping adds a creamy richness, perfectly balancing the hearty meats below. And for an extra indulgence, the optional fried egg crowns this already magnificent sandwich. It’s a dish designed to impress, whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend feast.
After trying various versions of Francesinha, I found myself particularly inspired by Chef José Avillez, whose dedication to Portuguese cuisine has brought this dish to new heights. It’s a joy to see how different chefs interpret this classic, each adding their unique spin while preserving its essence.
Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or pair it with crispy French fries or a simple green salad, Francesinha is a dish that promises to leave you satisfied and wanting to share it with those you love. It’s the kind of recipe that bridges cultures and brings a touch of Portugal to your kitchen, making every meal a small celebration.
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What You’ll Need
- 18 slices of bread
- 6 slices of ham
- 12 slices of cooked pork loin
- 12 slices of chorizo sausage
- 6 beef steaks (thinly sliced)
- 18 slices of cheese (such as Edam or Gouda)
- 6 fried eggs (optional, one per sandwich)
- 3 cups of beer
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of port wine
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of piri-piri sauce (or other hot sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Method
Step One: Prepare the Sauce
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add in the beer, beef broth, tomato sauce, and port wine, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken. Add the bay leaves, paprika, piri-piri sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step Two: Cook the Meats
In a large skillet, cook the thinly sliced beef steaks over medium-high heat until they are done to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, briefly cook the slices of ham, cooked pork loin, and chorizo sausage until they are slightly browned. Set aside.
Step Three: Assemble the Sandwiches
For each sandwich, place one slice of bread on a plate. Layer with a slice of ham, two slices of cooked pork loin, two slices of chorizo, and one beef steak. Top with another slice of bread and then add two slices of cheese. Repeat this process to make a total of six sandwiches.
Step Four: Melt the Cheese
Preheat your oven’s broiler or use a toaster oven. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step Five: Add Optional Fried Eggs
If using, fry six eggs in a skillet until they reach the desired level of doneness. Place one fried egg on top of each sandwich.
Step Six: Serve
Once the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are ready, pour the hot sauce over each sandwich generously. Serve immediately, preferably with a side of fries and a cold beer. Enjoy your Francesinha!
