Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the red bell pepper and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add to the sauce and whisk until fully incorporated.
7. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
Per 1/4 cup serving:
Calories: 50
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- If you don't have red wine, you can use beef broth or water instead.
Variations:
- For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can add cooked and crumbled sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a heartier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin on the side of a Francesinha sandwich.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sauce with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the Francesinha sandwich with french fries or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1960s. It typically consists of bread, ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, steak, and melted cheese, all covered in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
Flavor profiles:
This sauce is spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this sauce with a Francesinha sandwich for a traditional Portuguese meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Portuguese