Sauces > Portuguese

Classic Francesinha Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Whisk
- Saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and paprika.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of sauce

Nutritional information:
Calories: 70
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total carbohydrates: 7g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Tomato sauce can be substituted with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
- Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or fish sauce.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Variations:
- Add a splash of beer or port wine for a deeper flavor.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- Add sautéed onions and garlic for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce over a Francesinha sandwich or as a dipping sauce for fries.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fries or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator at or below 40°F.

Food history:
Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1960s. The sandwich is made with bread, ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, steak, and melted cheese, and is typically served with a spicy tomato and beer sauce.

Flavor profiles:
The Classic Francesinha Sauce has a rich and savory flavor with a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sauce over a Francesinha sandwich or as a dipping sauce for fries.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Spicy, Umami, Aromatic