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Portuguese Francesinha Sandwich Tower

Portuguese Francesinha sandwich tower - featured image
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A rich and indulgent Portuguese sandwich tower layered with steak, cured meats, melted cheese, and smothered in a spicy tomato and beer sauce. Perfect for a comforting weekend treat or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick white bread (preferably slightly crusty)
  • 200g (7 oz) thinly sliced steak or roast beef
  • 150g (5 oz) cooked ham slices
  • 100g (3.5 oz) chorizo or spicy Portuguese sausage slices
  • 4 strips smoked bacon
  • 2 large eggs (optional, fried sunny side up for topping)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)
  • 200g (7 oz) cheese slices (preferably Edam or Gouda, for melting)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 200 ml (¾ cup) tomato puree or passata
  • 250 ml (1 cup) beer (lager or pilsner)
  • 200 ml (¾ cup) beef or chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce or piri-piri sauce (to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add tomato puree, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Pour in beer and stock. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
  3. Optional: Blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion or regular blender. Return to heat and keep warm.
  4. Cook the meats: In a large frying pan, cook steak slices until browned but still juicy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm. Cook bacon strips until crispy, drain on paper towels. Lightly brown chorizo slices.
  5. Toast the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice. Toast butter-side down in the frying pan until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.
  6. Assemble the sandwich tower: On a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, layer one slice of toasted bread, then steak, ham, chorizo, and bacon. Repeat layers 3-4 times, finishing with a final slice of bread.
  7. Cover the sandwich tower generously with cheese slices on top and sides.
  8. Melt the cheese: Place under a broiler or in a hot oven (425°F / 220°C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Pour the warm Francesinha sauce over the sandwich tower, letting it cascade down the sides.
  10. Top with a fried egg if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overload the sandwich with meats to keep it manageable. Toast bread well to prevent sogginess. Warm the sauce before pouring to avoid soggy bread. Watch cheese carefully under the broiler to prevent burning. Sauce tastes better after resting a day. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check Worcestershire sauce labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: Portuguese Francesinha, sandwich tower, spicy tomato sauce, melted cheese, cured meats, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/portuguese-francesinha-sandwich-tower-recipe-easy-homemade-guide-for-foodies/