Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.
About the recipe
Francesinha is an icon of Porto: intense, generous and meant to be served with abundant sauce.
The sandwich brings together meat, bread, melted cheese and a tomato sauce, beer and spices.
There are many sauce recipes, and each home maintains its own balance.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of bread
- 2 fine steaks
- 2 fresh sausages or Portuguese sausages
- 4 slices ham or fiambre
- 8 slices of cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 200 ml of beer
- 1 glass of Port wine optional
- Piri-piri or pepper
- French fries to serve
Method
- Prepare the sauce with tomato, beer, pepper and seasonings, cooking until full-bodied.
- Grill the steaks and sausages.
- Assemble each sandwich with bread, meat and fiambre.
- Top with cheese and bake to melt.
- Drizzle with plenty of hot sauce.
- Serve with fries.
Tips from Empório Portugal
- The sauce must be spicy and very hot.
- Firm bread prevents the sandwich from falling apart.
- Cheese needs to cover the entire surface.
Possible substitutions in Brazil
- Use Brazilian cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Beer without much bitterness leaves the sauce balanced.
Pairing
Beer or a young red. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.
Regional and family variations may change ingredients, quantities and method.
Recipes from Empório Portugal are shared for cultural and culinary purposes. Adjust ingredients for dietary needs, allergies and professional advice.
This recipe is an Empório Portugal editorial version inspired by Portuguese culinary tradition. Regional and family variations exist, especially in seasoning, quantities and method.
Send it to the Empório Portugal community. Submitted recipes are reviewed before any publication.
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