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A Portuguese Francesinha sandwich covered with melted cheese and tomato beer sauce, served with fries.

Portuguese Francesinha Sandwich

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A Porto-style sandwich layered with steak, ham, sausage, melted cheese, and a rich tomato-beer sauce, served with fries.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 920
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Sandwiches
  • 8 slices thick white sandwich bread
  • 1 lb thin beef steaks
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 8 oz linguiça or smoked sausage sliced lengthwise
  • 8 slices mild melting cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter for cooking
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 cup lager beer
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce more or less to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
To Serve
  • 4 large eggs fried, optional
  • 4 cups French fries hot

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Blender or immersion blender

Method
 

Make the Sauce:
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, stock, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and bay leaf. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the bay leaf and blend the sauce until smooth. Keep warm over low heat.
Cook the Fillings:
  1. Toast the bread lightly and set it on a baking sheet. Heat a skillet with a little butter and sear the steaks until browned and just cooked through.
  2. Brown the sliced sausage in the same skillet.
Assemble and Finish:
  1. Place two slices of toast on each plate. Layer on steak, ham, and sausage, then top with the remaining toast and cover with cheese.
  2. Spoon hot sauce over each sandwich and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Top with a fried egg if using and serve with fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 920kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 51gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 250mgSodium: 1900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10g

Notes

  • Use a mild melting cheese that drapes over the whole sandwich.
  • Blend the sauce for a smooth café-style finish.
  • Keep the sauce warm but do not boil it after blending.