Francesinha

A Francesinha (5401346513)

Francesinha in Porto

Francesinha in porto

Francesinha is a traditional Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto, a city in northern Portugal. The name "Francesinha" translates to "Little Frenchie" in Portuguese, and it is believed to have been inspired by the croque-monsieur, a popular French sandwich.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The Francesinha is typically made with bread, ham, linguiça (a type of Portuguese sausage), fresh sausage, and steak or roast meat. It is then covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick tomato and beer sauce. The sandwich is often served with French fries and sometimes topped with a fried egg.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

The preparation of a Francesinha involves several steps: 1. Grilling the meats (ham, linguiça, sausage, and steak). 2. Assembling the sandwich with layers of bread and meats. 3. Covering the sandwich with slices of cheese. 4. Baking or grilling the sandwich until the cheese melts. 5. Pouring the hot sauce over the sandwich. 6. Serving with French fries and optionally a fried egg on top.

Sauce[edit | edit source]

The sauce is a crucial element of the Francesinha and varies from recipe to recipe. It typically includes tomato, beer, piri piri (a type of chili pepper), and other ingredients such as whisky, wine, or brandy. The sauce is cooked until it thickens and is then poured over the sandwich.

History[edit | edit source]

The Francesinha was created in the 1950s by Daniel da Silva, a returned emigrant from France and Belgium. He adapted the croque-monsieur to Portuguese tastes, adding local ingredients and a spicy sauce. The sandwich quickly became popular in Porto and is now considered a culinary icon of the city.

Variations[edit | edit source]

There are several variations of the Francesinha, including:

Francesinha à moda do Porto: The traditional version from Porto.
Francesinha de frango: Made with chicken instead of beef.
Francesinha vegetariana: A vegetarian version that substitutes meat with vegetables or meat substitutes.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

The Francesinha is more than just a sandwich; it is a symbol of Porto's culinary heritage. It is often enjoyed in local taverns and restaurants, and there are even festivals dedicated to this iconic dish.