Vegan Francesinha

Indulge in the bold and savory flavors of this Vegan Francesinha, a plant-based twist on Portugal's iconic sandwich. This hearty recipe features layers of toasted bread, smoky plant-based sausage, savory vegan deli slices, and gooey dairy-free cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato and vegan beer sauce. The sauce, simmered to perfection with aromatic onion, garlic, paprika, and a splash of vegetable broth, is the centerpiece of this comforting dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive brunch, this cruelty-free take on a traditional favorite is packed with flavor, texture, and a touch of indulgence. Serve piping hot and let the layers of goodness bring everyone to the table!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the tomato paste, cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.

Step 3

Add the canned diced tomatoes, vegan beer, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

While the sauce simmers, grill or pan-fry the plant-based sausages until cooked through, then set aside.

Step 6

Lightly toast the bread slices. Spread vegan butter on each slice of toasted bread.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Top each sandwich with 2 slices of dairy-free cheese.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Once melted, pour generous amounts of the hot tomato and beer sauce over each sandwich and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1698.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2683.6

Total Fat 138.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 4.8mg	0%
Sodium 9331.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.2g	0%
Total Sugars 28.2g
Protein 138.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1922.8mg	0%
Iron 28.5mg	0%
Potassium 3121.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 31.9%