Francesinha (Porto's Famous Sandwich)

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

• 2 thick slices of white bread
• 1 thin beef steak (like sirloin)
• 1 slice cooked ham
• 1 linguiça or fresh sausage, cooked and sliced lengthwise
• 4-5 slices Edam or similar melting cheese
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Optional: 1 fried egg

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup tomato pulp or passata
• 1/2 cup beer (lager style)
• 1 tablespoon Port wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
• Pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add bay leaf, beef broth, tomato pulp, beer, and Port wine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
3. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry until thickened. Season. Keep warm.

Assemble the Sandwich:

1. Toast or grill the bread slices.
2. Cook the steak and sausage.
3. Layer ham, steak, and sausage on one slice of bread. Top with the other slice.
4. Place sandwich in an oven-safe dish. Cover completely with cheese slices.
5. Broil or bake until cheese melts.
6. Pour hot sauce generously over the sandwich.
7. Top with a fried egg (optional). Serve immediately with French fries.

What Makes It Special

Originating from Porto, the Francesinha ('Little Frenchie') is a decadent, multi-layered meat sandwich smothered in melted cheese and drowned in a unique, rich, slightly spicy beer and tomato sauce. It's a hearty, indulgent challenge and delight.