Acehnese-inspired Spicy Meat Sandwich

Ingredients

In this Acehnese-inspired version, we incorporate the bold and spicy flavors of Acehnese cuisine into the traditional Francesinha. The original dish is known for its rich tomato-based sauce, but we enhance it with Acehnese spices such as turmeric, ginger, and chili to give it a fiery kick. Additionally, we use local Acehnese ingredients and cooking techniques to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Acehnese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Francesinha, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of crusty bread 4 slices of crusty bread
• 200g (7 oz) cheese, sliced (preferably a local Acehnese cheese) 200g (7 oz) cheese, sliced (preferably a local Acehnese cheese)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference) 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 cup tomato sauce 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Crispy fries, to serve Crispy fries, to serve

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced meat, turmeric powder, ginger powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated meat to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and beef or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of cheese on each slice of bread. Divide the cooked meat evenly among the sandwiches.
8. 8.
   Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove the sandwiches from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. 10.
    Serve the Acehnese-inspired Spicy Meat Sandwiches with crispy fries on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or chicken — Ensure the meat is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
• Acehnese cheese — If you can't find Acehnese cheese, you can substitute it with a local cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Serve the sandwiches with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the spicy meat.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as Acehnese roti cane, for a unique twist.
• Customize the sandwich by adding additional toppings like fried eggs or sautéed mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Acehnese-inspired Spicy Meat Sandwiches hot, accompanied by a generous portion of crispy fries. Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters for easier handling and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a small amount of the spicy tomato sauce over the sandwiches and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve on a wooden platter or a vibrant Acehnese batik-patterned plate to showcase the cultural fusion.