Portuguese > Regional > Northern Portuguese

Francesinha Poveira with Fried Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of smoked sausage
- 8 slices of roast beef
- 8 slices of cheese
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of beer
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

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

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the cornstarch and olive oil together until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the tomato sauce and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. In a large skillet, cook the ham, smoked sausage, and roast beef over medium heat until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, fry the eggs to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

6. To assemble the Francesinha Poveira, place a slice of bread on a baking sheet. Add a slice of ham, smoked sausage, and roast beef on top of the bread. Pour a generous amount of the tomato sauce over the meat. Add a slice of cheese on top of the sauce. Repeat with the remaining bread, meat, sauce, and cheese.

7. Bake the Francesinha Poveira in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. While the Francesinha Poveira is baking, prepare the fried cheese. Cut the cheese into 8 equal slices. In a shallow dish, mix the flour and breadcrumbs together. Dip each slice of cheese into the flour mixture, making sure it is coated on all sides.

9. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cheese slices to the skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides. Use tongs to remove the cheese from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

10. Serve the Francesinha Poveira hot with a fried cheese slice on top of each sandwich.


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

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 950
Total fat: 55g
Saturated fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 350mg
Sodium: 2500mg
Total carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Total sugars: 10g
Protein: 60g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread you prefer.
- You can use any type of meat you prefer.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- You can use chicken or tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian option.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of sauce, such as gravy or hollandaise, instead of tomato sauce.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- Use a non-stick skillet to make the fried cheese to prevent sticking.
- To make the Francesinha Poveira even more decadent, add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover Francesinha Poveira in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the Francesinha Poveira, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Francesinha Poveira on a large platter with the fried cheese slices arranged on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce

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

Suggested side dishes:
- French fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the cheese is not melting properly, place the Francesinha Poveira under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat and eggs to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store any leftover Francesinha Poveira in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Francesinha Poveira is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in the city of Póvoa de Varzim in the 1960s.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tangy, cheesy, meaty

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Francesinha Poveira hot with a side of French fries and a cold beer.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Spicy, Tangy, Hearty