Francesinha: Portuguese Croque Monsieur

cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

steak

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground beef is more economical and versatile.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are budget-friendly and easy to use.

sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: hot dogs

Hot dogs provide a lower-cost alternative with similar flavors.

Sear the beef quickly, ensuring it doesn't cook too much.

Remove the skin from the fresh sausage, make a patty, and fry it.

Prepare three types of sausages: fresh sausage, Linguica, and another mild sausage without much heat.

Stack the cheese, ham, beef, and three sausages as thin as possible between two slices of bread.

Press the sandwich slightly to ensure the cheese can cover it properly.

Use mild melting cheese to cover the sandwich completely, so the bread isn't visible.

In a pan, heat olive oil, garlic, onions, and chili to sweat for a little bit.

Add tomato paste to the pan for color.

Pour in beer, white wine, brandy, and port in order from lightest to strongest.

Add brown stock and stock from cozida to the sauce mixture.

Pour the hot sauce over the sandwich and serve while it's steaming.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens