Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup of bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup of onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of beer
- 1/4 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the tomato paste, beer, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and hot sauce to the pan. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Using a blender or immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
7. Add the crispy bacon back into the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion and garlic
- Boil the sauce mixture, then simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70 per 1/4 cup serving
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used instead of regular bacon
- Red onion can be used instead of white onion
- Beef stock can be used instead of beef broth
Variations:
- Add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor
- Use smoked salt instead of regular salt for an extra smoky taste
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to burn the bacon while cooking it
- Use a high-quality beer for the best flavor
- Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over a traditional Francesinha sandwich or as a dipping sauce for fries.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- French fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beer or beef broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1960s.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, savory, slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce hot or warm.
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Region: Portuguese