uncover the flavors of Portugal with the Francesinha, a robust sandwich featuring layers of cured meats, sausage, and steak, crowned with melted cheese and bathed in a flavorful beer sauce—a must-try for enthusiasts of authentic Portuguese dining.

Ingredients:

For the sandwich:

  - 8 slices of white bread (thick slices work best)

  - 8 slices of cured ham

  - 8 slices of Portuguese linguiça (sausage)

  - 4 slices of beef steak

  - 8 slices of cheese (typically Portuguese cheese like queijo São Jorge or similar)

Butter for frying

For the spicy beer sauce:

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 1 bay leaf

  - 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  - 1 cup beef broth

  - 1 cup beer (Portuguese beer like Super Bock or similar)

  - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1-Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bay leaf. Sauté until onion becomes translucent.

2-Stir in tomato paste and flour, cook for a minute.

3-Gradually add beef broth and beer, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the bay leaf and set the sauce aside.

4-Prepare the sandwich: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice.

5-On the non-buttered side of 4 bread slices, layer with slices of cured ham, linguiça, beef steak, and cheese.

6-Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top to form sandwiches, buttered side facing outwards.

7-Grill the sandwiches in the preheated skillet or grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, flipping once to ensure even cooking.

8-Assembly: Once the sandwiches are grilled, place them on serving plates. Pour the spicy beer sauce generously over each sandwich, allowing it to soak into the bread.

9-Optionally, you can serve it with a side of fries or a fried egg on top for an extra indulgence.

Enjoy your homemade Portugal Francesinha, a delicious and hearty sandwich bursting with flavor!

Nutritional Values :

For the Sandwich Ingredients (per serving, assuming 1 sandwich):

White Bread (2 slices):

  - Calories: 160

  - Carbohydrates: 32g

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 1g

benefits : Provides carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and some protein. Opt for whole grain bread for added fiber and nutrients.

Cured Ham (2 slices):

  - Calories: 60

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 2g

benefits : A good source of protein for muscle repair and growth, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Portuguese Linguiça (2 slices):

  - Calories: 120

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 10g

benefits : Provides protein for muscle maintenance and repair, along with healthy fats. However, it's also high in sodium, so consume in moderation.

Beef Steak (1 slice):

  - Calories: 150

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 22g

  - Fat: 6g

benefits : Rich in high-quality protein, iron for oxygen transport in the blood, zinc for immune function, and B vitamins for energy metabolism

Cheese (2 slices):

  - Calories: 200

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 16g

benefits : Contains protein and calcium for bone health, as well as vitamin A for vision and skin health. However, it's high in saturated fat and sodium, so enjoy in moderation.

Butter for frying (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 100

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 11g

For the Spicy Beer Sauce (per serving, assuming sauce is divided into 4 servings):

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 28g

benefits : A source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Onion (1 small):

  - Calories: 40

  - Carbohydrates: 9g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, onions may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : High in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and promote heart health.

All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Energy Source: All-purpose flour provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, helping fuel daily activities.

  - B-Vitamins: It contains small amounts of B-vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin, which play a role in energy metabolism and overall cell function.

  - Iron Content: All-purpose flour is often enriched with iron, an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.

  - Versatility in Cooking: While not a direct health benefit, the versatility of all-purpose flour makes it a staple in many recipes, from bread and pastries to sauces, helping to create a wide variety of nutritious dishes.

Beef Broth (1 cup):

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : Provides hydration and contains some protein and nutrients extracted from the beef bones and vegetables used to make it.

Beer (1 cup):

  - Calories: 150

  - Carbohydrates: 13g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : Contains antioxidants and may have some heart-health benefits when consumed in moderation. It also adds flavor to the sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 15

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : Adds flavor to the sauce and may contain beneficial ingredients like vinegar, which has been linked to improved digestion and blood sugar control.

Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 0-5 (depending on the brand and type)

  - Carbohydrates: 0-1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : May boost metabolism and aid in weight loss due to capsaicin, the compound responsible for its spiciness. It can also add flavor without extra calories.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Always refer to the nutrition labels on the products for the most accurate information.