Francesinha Sandwich Recipe with Rich and Spicy Sauce
Francesinha recipe
Today on the Takrecipe website, we are bringing you one of Portugal’s most famous and indulgent dishes—the Francesinha. This hearty sandwich, which translates to “Little Frenchie,” is a specialty from Porto, featuring layers of bread, ham, sausage, steak, and cheese, all drenched in a flavorful beer and tomato-based sauce. It’s often served with fries and a fried egg on top, making it a truly decadent meal. If you’re looking for a satisfying and comforting dish, this is a must-try!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick white bread
- 2 slices of smoked ham
- 2 fresh sausages (chorizo or linguiça)
- 2 thin beef steaks
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or flamengo cheese)
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
- Butter (for toasting the bread)
- For the Francesinha Sauce:
- 1 cup beer (lager or pilsner)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- French fries
- Cold beer (optional)
Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about a minute until it turns golden. Gradually add the beer, stirring to prevent lumps. Then pour in the beef broth and tomato puree. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Blend the sauce using an immersion blender for a smoother texture, then set it aside and keep it warm.
Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausages until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sear the beef steaks for 2–3 minutes on each side until cooked to your desired doneness. Set aside.
Assemble the Francesinha
Toast the bread slices with a little butter until golden brown. On one slice of bread, layer the ham, cooked sausage (sliced in half lengthwise), and steak. Top with another slice of bread, then place slices of cheese all over the sandwich, covering it completely.
Melt the Cheese
Place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Optionally, fry eggs in a separate pan and place them on top of the sandwich.
Serve the Francesinha
Pour the warm sauce generously over the sandwich, ensuring it covers all sides. Serve hot with crispy French fries on the side and a cold beer for an authentic experience.
Tips:
Use a good-quality beer
🟢A Portuguese lager or pilsner enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Melt the cheese properly
🟢Make sure the cheese fully covers the sandwich and is melted thoroughly for the best taste.
Make the sauce in advance
🟢The flavors develop better if the sauce is prepared ahead and reheated before serving.