Portuguese > Regional Specialties > Francesinhas

Francesinha Poveira with Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of smoked sausage
- 4 slices of beef steak
- 4 slices of cheese
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Grill or frying pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

4. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the saucepan and stir until well combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Season the beef steak with salt and pepper. Grill or fry the steak until it's cooked to your liking.

6. Assemble the Francesinha Poveira by placing a slice of bread on a plate. Add a slice of ham, a slice of smoked sausage, a slice of beef steak, and a slice of cheese. Repeat the layers until you have used all the ingredients.

7. Pour the tomato sauce over the Francesinha Poveira.

8. Place the Francesinha Poveira in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Sprinkle the roasted potatoes with chopped parsley and serve alongside the Francesinha Poveira.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Oven: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 780
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 50g
Sodium: 2,500mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread for the Francesinha Poveira.
- You can substitute the ham and smoked sausage for any type of cured meat.
- You can use any type of cheese that melts well.

Variations:
- You can add an egg on top of the Francesinha Poveira before baking.
- You can add sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the Francesinha Poveira.
- You can use chicken or pork instead of beef steak.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the sauce.
- You can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more beef broth to thin it out.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover Francesinha Poveira and roasted potatoes in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the Francesinha Poveira, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat the roasted potatoes, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Francesinha Poveira on a large platter with the roasted potatoes on the side.
- Garnish the Francesinha Poveira with chopped parsley or fresh herbs.

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

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a nice complement to the Francesinha Poveira.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, you can add more cornstarch to thicken it up.
- If the cheese is not melting, you can place the Francesinha Poveira under the broiler for a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef steak to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

Food history:
- Francesinha Poveira is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Póvoa de Varzim, a coastal town in northern Portugal.

Flavor profiles:
- The Francesinha Poveira is a rich and savory sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, and tomato sauce.
- The roasted potatoes add a crispy and earthy flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Francesinha Poveira hot and fresh out of the oven for the best experience.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Rich, Tangy, Hearty