The Francesinha: A Hearty Portuguese Delight

Hello Hungry Tourists!

If you're seeking a taste of Portugal, look no further than the Francesinha. This iconic Portuguese sandwich, whose name translates to "little French girl," is a hearty and indulgent dish beloved in Porto and across Portugal. With its layers of meat, melted cheese, and a rich, spicy sauce, it's a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. Here’s everything you need to know to make and enjoy this delightful dish.

What is a Francesinha?

A Francesinha is a substantial sandwich that layers a variety of meats and cheese between slices of crusty bread. It’s topped with a rich sauce and often finished off with a fried egg. This dish combines robust flavours and textures, making it a perfect comfort food.

Standard Components

1. Bread:

   • Soft, thick bread, it should be robust enough to handle the filling and sauce.

     
     

2. Filling:

   • Meats: Typically includes thin slices of roast beef or steak, ham, and two types of sausage—linguiça (smoked sausage) and chorizo (spicy sausage). If you cant find the ingredients locally, you can substitute them.

   • Cheese: A slice of melting cheese, such as Cheddar, Gruyère or Emmental, is placed on top.

     
     

3. Egg (Optional):

   • A fried egg is often added on top after baking. It’s optional but adds a lovely richness.

     
     

4. Sauce:

   • The sauce is a rich, spicy, and hearty gravy-like mixture that’s cooked separately and poured over the sandwich after baking.

     
     

Francesinha Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce

• 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock

• 1 cup (240 ml) beer and Port if your feeling fancy

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon corn flour (optional, for thickening)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For the Sandwich:

• 4 slices of bread

• 4 thin slices of ham

• 4 thin slices of roast beef or steak

• 4 slices of linguiça (smoked sausage)

• 4 slices of chorizo (spicy sausage)

• 4 slices of cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère or Emmental works well)

• 1 egg per sandwich (optional, for topping)

  
  

For the Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

   2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

   3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

   4. Add the tomato sauce, beef stock, beer, (port if using), Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, and mustard. Stir well.

   5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of corn flour with a little water and stir it into the sauce.

   6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

      
      

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

   1. Get your frying pan ready.

   2. Place a slice of bread on a work surface. Layer with a slice or 2 of ham, roast beef, linguiça, chorizo, and cheese. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.

   3. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

   4. If adding a fried egg, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan and fry the eggs to your desired doneness. (It should be runny)

      
      

3. Cook the Sandwiches:

   1. Heat a little oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.

   2. Fry the sandwiches on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can cook them in the oven if preferred.

      
      

4. Assemble the Francesinha:

   1. Place the sandwiches in a dish dish.

   2. Reheat the prepared sauce and pour generously over the sandwiches, ensuring they are well-covered.

      
      

5. Garnish and Serve:

   1. If using, top each sandwich with a fried egg.

   2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

   3. Serve hot with a side of fries or a fresh salad.

      
      

This indulgent sandwich is a beloved comfort food in Portugal, especially in Porto. Making a Francesinha at home allows you to experience a true taste of Portuguese culinary tradition, rich in flavour and tradition.

Obrigado Portugal

Enjoy your Francesinha and happy eating!