Vegetarian Francesinha
Indulge in a plant-based twist on Portugal’s iconic sandwich with this Vegetarian Francesinha recipe, a hearty and satisfying dish packed with layers of flavor. This vegetarian adaptation features grillable halloumi cheese, juicy plant-based sausages, and tender sautéed mushrooms nestled between thick slices of bread, all smothered in a rich, spicy beer-infused tomato sauce. The homemade sauce, flavored with paprika, cayenne pepper, and vegetable broth, delivers smoky and tangy notes that elevate every bite. Topped with gooey melted cheese and baked to perfection, this recipe offers a vegetarian comfort food experience reminiscent of the traditional Francesinha, without compromising bold and robust flavors. Perfect for dinner parties or a unique meal for two, this Veggie Francesinha is sure to impress! Keywords: vegetarian Francesinha, plant-based recipes, Portuguese comfort food, halloumi sandwich, spicy tomato sauce.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole large onion, sliced
- 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400 grams canned tomatoes
- 500 milliliters vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 150 milliliters beer
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 whole plant-based sausages
- 4 slices thick slices of bread
- 200 grams grillable halloumi cheese
- 200 grams mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices sliced cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, and then add the canned tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to break them up a bit.
Pour in the vegetable broth, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Add the beer to the pot, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small non-stick pan, fry the plant-based sausages until browned on all sides. Set aside.
In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the mushrooms until tender. Set aside.
Dilute the cornstarch in a small bowl with a bit of water until smooth, then add it to the sauce. Stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Remove the sauce from heat and blend it with an immersion blender until smooth. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Assemble the Francesinha: on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place a slice of bread.
Layer with a plant-based sausage, some mushrooms, a slice of halloumi, and repeat the layer ending with a second bread slice.
Cover the sandwich with two slices of cheese, making sure to entirely cover the top.
Repeat the assembly for the second serving.
Pour the hot sauce generously over each assembled sandwich to cover them completely.
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serve hot on a plate, with extra sauce if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2922 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.1 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.8 g | 394% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 261 mg | 87% | |
| Sodium | 8000 mg | 348% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 208.0 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.9 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.2 g | ||
| Protein | 129.0 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2973 mg | 229% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 3841 mg | 82% | |
*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.
