Francesinha

Francesinha is a traditional Portuguese sandwich, originally from Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. It is considered a staple of the local gastronomy and a symbol of the city's culinary identity.

History

The Francesinha was created in the 1960s by Daniel da Silva, a Portuguese emigrant who returned from France with the idea of creating a Portuguese version of the French Croque-monsieur. The name "Francesinha" translates to "Little French girl" in English, a nod to its French inspiration.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Francesinha is made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça (a Portuguese smoke-cured pork sausage), fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese. It is then doused in a hot thick tomato and beer sauce. The sandwich is often served with french fries, and sometimes with a fried egg on top.

Variations

There are several variations of the Francesinha, with different ingredients or sauces. Some of these include the Francesinha Poveira, which includes a layer of seafood, and the Francesinha in Foz, which is served without the typical sauce.

Cultural Significance

The Francesinha is not just a sandwich, but a cultural icon in Porto. It is often enjoyed in local restaurants, and there are even festivals dedicated to this dish. It is also a popular choice for late-night meals, especially after a night out.

See Also

• Portuguese cuisine
• Porto
• Croque-monsieur

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