Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of vegetarian ham
- 8 slices of vegetarian cheese
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
3. Add the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
4. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In an oven-safe dish, place a slice of bread, followed by a slice of vegetarian ham, a slice of vegetarian cheese, and another slice of bread. Repeat until you have four sandwiches.
6. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure they are fully covered.
7. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Brush the melted butter over the top of the sandwiches.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 1400mg
Total carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetarian ham can be substituted with tofu or seitan.
- Vegetarian cheese can be substituted with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken or beef broth for non-vegetarian versions.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.
- Add a fried egg on top of the sandwich for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the sauce is fully covering the sandwiches to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Use a thick-sliced bread to hold up to the sauce and toppings.
- Serve with a side of fries for a traditional Portuguese meal.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a large platter with a side of fries and a small bowl of the sauce for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a classic Portuguese experience.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fries or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If the sandwiches are too dry, add more sauce or butter to the top before serving.
Food safety advice:
Make sure all ingredients are cooked to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Francesinha is a traditional Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto in the 1950s. It is typically made with ham, sausage, and steak, but this vegetarian version is a healthier and more ethical option.
Flavor profiles:
The Francesinha sauce is a rich and savory combination of tomato, paprika, and garlic, while the vegetarian ham and cheese add a salty and creamy flavor to the sandwich.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Portuguese