Francesinha
Porto's legendary sandwich - layers of ham, sausage, and steak between bread, covered in melted cheese and a rich, spicy beer sauce. A truly indulgent and hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 slices Thick-cut white bread(Sturdy bread like a baguette or ciabatta works well.)
- 2 thin steaks Beef steak(Sirloin or tenderloin, about 1 cm thick.)
- 4 slices Cooked ham(Good quality, thick-cut ham.)
- 2 sausages Linguiça or Chouriço(Portuguese smoked sausage. If unavailable, use a good quality smoked chorizo.)
- 200 g Sliced cheese(A good melting cheese like Emmental, Gruyère, or even a mild cheddar.)
- 2 tbsp Butter(For the sauce.)
- 0.5 medium Onion(Finely chopped, for the sauce.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced, for the sauce.)
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 200 ml Beer(A lager or pale ale works well.)
- 50 ml Brandy or Port wine(Optional, but adds depth to the sauce.)
- 1 tbsp Piri piri sauce or hot sauce(Adjust to your spice preference.)
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(For cooking the meats.)
- 2 Eggs(Fried, optional for topping.)
- for serving French fries
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. Pour in the beer and brandy (if using), and bring to a simmer. Stir in the piri piri sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to a rich, gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Cook the meats: Season the thin beef steaks with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove from skillet and set aside. Slice the linguiça or chouriço sausages into thick rounds and grill or pan-fry them until lightly browned and cooked through. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Assemble the sandwich: Lightly toast the bread slices if desired. On a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, place one slice of bread. Layer with two slices of ham, then half of the cooked linguiça/chouriço, followed by one seared steak. Top with another two slices of ham. Place the second slice of bread on top to complete the first sandwich. Repeat for the second sandwich. If your bread is very soft, you can lightly grill or toast the edges of the assembled sandwiches before adding cheese to help them hold their shape.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add cheese and bake: Generously cover the top of each assembled sandwich with the sliced cheese, ensuring it drapes down the sides. Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler (grill) or in a hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 5
Serve: Carefully transfer the hot, cheesy sandwiches to serving plates. Pour a generous amount of the warm beer sauce over each sandwich, allowing it to cascade down the sides. If desired, top each sandwich with a freshly fried egg. Serve immediately with a side of hot French fries.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The sauce should be rich, slightly spicy, and have a distinct beer flavor. It's meant to be abundant, so don't be shy!
- ✓Ensure your cheese melts well for that signature gooey topping.
- ✓This is a very rich dish, best enjoyed as a hearty meal or a celebratory treat.
- ✓For an authentic experience, serve with a cold Portuguese beer.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include adding a layer of bacon or different types of smoked sausage.
- In coastal regions, you might find seafood versions, though less traditional.
- A vegetarian version can be made using hearty mushrooms and plant-based meats, though it significantly alters the classic flavor profile.