Francesinha Recipe: Authentic Portuguese Sandwich with Cheese, Meat, and Spicy Sauce
The Francesinha is an iconic dish from Portugal, often compared to a croque-monsieur but made more substantial. This sandwich is stuffed with meat (usually steak or ham), covered with melted cheese, and smothered in a spicy tomato sauce, offering an explosion of flavors in every bite. It is often served with crispy fries for an even more comforting meal. The Francesinha is perfect for those who love hearty, savory dishes and is ideal for cold days or as a generous meal.
In this post, we’ll guide you through a complete recipe to make your own Francesinha at home – a dish that will delight the whole family!
Ingredients for Francesinha:
To make a homemade Francesinha, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Spicy Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
400g canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mild chili powder (or more if you prefer spicy)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup meat broth (or water if you don’t have broth)
For the Sandwich:
4 thick slices of bread
2 steaks or ham slices (depending on your preference)
4 slices of melted cheese (raclette or cheddar cheese)
2 eggs
Fries for serving (optional)
Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the flour and stir well to form a roux.
Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, paprika, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly and let simmer for about 20 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some meat broth or water to adjust the consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Meat:
In a frying pan, cook the steaks or ham according to your preferred level of doneness. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Assemble the Francesinha:
Take one slice of bread and place a slice of meat (steak or ham) and a slice of cheese on top. Cover with another slice of bread. Repeat this step for all four sandwiches. You should have four well-stuffed sandwiches.
Grill the Sandwiches:
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. If you have a panini press or grill, you can use that to get a crispier crust.
Prepare the Fried Egg:
In a separate pan, fry the eggs (or scramble them if you prefer) to place on top of each sandwich once ready.
Assemble and Serve:
Place each sandwich on a plate and generously drizzle with the spicy sauce you prepared earlier. Top with the fried egg. Serve immediately with fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Francesinha:
Choose the Right Meat: The choice of meat is key in this recipe. You can opt for beef steaks or ham, but the ham provides a lighter taste, while steak adds more richness.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you enjoy spicier flavors, feel free to add extra chili or Tabasco to spice things up.
Serve with Homemade Fries: For a more authentic touch, serve your Francesinha with crispy homemade fries.
Why Try Francesinha?
The Francesinha is one of the most popular dishes in Portugal, and for good reason! This hearty sandwich with spicy tomato sauce, layers of meat, and melted cheese is the perfect comfort food. It’s a great dish for special occasions, family meals, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent. Try this recipe at home and discover why Francesinha is a Portuguese classic!
