Francesinha: The Real Porto Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread (preferably rye)
• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of smoked sausage
• 8 slices of beef
• 8 slices of cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and Swiss)
• 2 cups of prepared tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can of beer
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, butter, minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the beer, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, prepared tomato sauce, and cornstarch to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients properly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced by ¼ of its original volume. Remove from heat and set it aside.
5. On a baking sheet, layer the slices of bread, ham, smoked sausage, beef, and cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used and finish with another layer of bread.
6. Pour the sauce over the prepared sandwiches until it is covered entirely.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the bread is toasted and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions and serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

The Francesinha is a bold and hearty sandwich that hails from the streets of Porto, Portugal. It’s a deliciously messy combination of meat, cheese, and tomato-based sauce that satisfies any appetite. The mix of meats and cheese with the flavorful sauce is a match made in heaven, creating a warm, rich, and savory taste.

The sandwich is traditionally served with french fries and a cold beer, perfectly complementing the dish’s meaty and spicy flavor. If you really want the true Porto experience, we suggest enjoying Francesinha with a Super Bock beer.

This recipe makes for a wonderfully indulgent meal that you can share with your loved ones or enjoy all to yourself. Don’t wait any longer to try out the real Porto recipe and experience the flavors and aromas of this traditional Portuguese dish.