Portuguese > Regional Specialties > Francesinhas

Francesinha Poveira with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of cooked pork loin
- 8 slices of chorizo
- 8 slices of cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Griddle or large skillet
- Oven-safe dish
- Whisk
- Saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat until it simmers.

3. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

4. Add the grated cheese to the milk mixture and stir until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Place four slices of bread on a griddle or large skillet. Top each slice with a slice of ham, a slice of cooked pork loin, a slice of chorizo, and a slice of cheese.

6. Cover each sandwich with another slice of bread and top with another slice of cheese.

7. In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture until coated.

8. Place the sandwiches on the griddle or skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.

9. Transfer the sandwiches to an oven-safe dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.

10. Top the sandwiches with the cheese sauce and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 600
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken slices.
- Cooked pork loin can be substituted with roast beef or chicken.
- Chorizo can be substituted with salami or pepperoni.
- Grated cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different types of meat and cheese to create your own unique Francesinha Poveira.
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a non-stick griddle or skillet to prevent the sandwiches from sticking.
- Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture quickly to avoid them getting too soggy.
- Let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before cutting them into halves or quarters.
- Serve with French fries or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Francesinha Poveira with Cheese Sauce on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine, such as a Portuguese Douro or Alentejo.

Suggested side dishes:
French fries or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the sandwiches are not cooked through, bake them in the oven for a few more minutes until heated through.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sandwiches and cheese sauce to the recommended temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
Francesinha Poveira is a traditional Portuguese sandwich that originated in the city of Póvoa de Varzim in the north of Portugal. It is a variation of the Francesinha sandwich, which is popular in the neighboring city of Porto.

Flavor profiles:
The Francesinha Poveira is a hearty and flavorful sandwich that combines savory meats, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese sauce.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Francesinha Poveira with Cheese Sauce as a main course for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Portuguese

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