Vegan Francesinha
Indulge in the bold flavors of a Portuguese classic made plant-based with this Vegan Francesinha recipe. This hearty and satisfying sandwich features layers of toasted bread, smoky plant-based sausage, vegan deli slices, and gooey dairy-free cheese, all smothered in a rich, savory tomato and vegan beer sauce. Perfect for recreating a comforting taste of Porto at home, this recipe masterfully blends traditional flavors with modern vegan ingredients like vegetable broth and creamy vegan butter. Ready in just an hour, this meat-free francesinha is ideal for an indulgent dinner or a showstopping weekend meal. Whether you're a plant-based eater or simply exploring vegan Portuguese recipes, this dish is bound to impress with its bold spices and soul-warming sauce. Serve hot and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegan beer
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 plant-based sausage
- 8 vegan deli slices
- 4 thick slices of bread
- 8 dairy-free cheese slices
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, vegan beer, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Add the bay leaf and paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Lower heat and let the sauce simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
While the sauce simmers, grill or pan-fry the plant-based sausages until cooked through, then set aside.
Lightly toast the bread slices. Spread vegan butter on each slice of toasted bread.
Assemble the sandwich by placing a slice of bread on a baking tray, layer with 2 deli slices, one grilled sausage, then another slice of bread.
Top each sandwich with 2 slices of dairy-free cheese.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sandwiches in the oven until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Once melted, pour generous amounts of the hot tomato and beer sauce over each sandwich and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.7 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2243 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.5 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.5 g | ||
| Protein | 33.8 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 477 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 773 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
