Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb lamb chops
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8 slices of bread
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup beer
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese
- French fries (optional)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Large skillet
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the lamb chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
4. Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and bay leaf and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
7. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and beer to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
9. Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
11. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet.
12. Top each slice of bread with a slice of ham and a lamb chop.
13. Spoon the spinach and tomato sauce mixture over the lamb chops.
14. Top each sandwich with a slice of cheese.
15. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the cheese.
16. Bake the sandwiches in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
17. Serve the sandwiches hot, with French fries on the side if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Oven: 350°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 650
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 47g
Sodium: 1200mg
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lamb chops can be substituted with beef or pork chops.
- Fresh spinach leaves can be substituted with frozen spinach.
- Tomato sauce can be substituted with canned diced tomatoes.
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Beer can be substituted with red wine.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the tomato sauce mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add sliced onions or peppers to the sandwich.
Tips and Tricks:
- Let the lamb chops rest before slicing them to keep them juicy.
- Use a good quality bread for the sandwich.
- Make sure the cheese is melted before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a large platter with a side of French fries.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sandwiches with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve the sandwiches with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested Side Dishes:
French fries, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the tomato sauce mixture is too thick, add more beef broth or beer to thin it out.
- If the bread is getting too dark in the oven, cover the sandwiches with foil.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure the lamb chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food History:
Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1950s.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches with a side of French fries and a cold beer for a classic Portuguese meal.
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Region: Portuguese