Francesinhas

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 3 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb ham, cut in pieces (mortadella or salami)
• 7 tablespoons flour
• 1 beer
• 3 ounces brandy
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• tabasco sauce (optional)
• salt and pepper
• 1 egg, poached scrambed egg (optional)

Recipe

• 1 fry the onions in the olive oil until translucent. add the water, bay leaves and meats. sauté the beef, sausage and ham for about 2 minutes each side.
• 2 when the meats are done, transfer to a dish and remove the bay leaves from the pan. puree the remaining contents of the pan. return the pan to the heat
• 3 using the beer,dissolve the flour and tomato paste into a cup, followed by the whisky or brandy, salt, hot sauce. mix thoroughly, add to the pan and bring to a simmer.
• 4 place 1 slice of bread on a plate or small bowl. top it with the beef slices, sausage,sliced lengthwise followed with a scrambled egg if using. add the top slice of bread followed by placing the slices of cheese on top and on the sides. if you prefer a poached egg, add it on top of the last slice of bread.
• 5 spoon the very hot sauce over the top and sides of the sandwich, melting the cheese. serve immediately. you will need a fork and knife.