Portugal - Bifana

I've recently tried this sandwich at my local Portuguese Deli and really enjoyed it so I wanted to make it at home. I like that it's a nice simple recipe with only a few ingredients. I'm looking forward to eating it!

Ingredients:

4 sandwich bread rolls
4 pork steaks
2 oz. butter
½ cup white wine
2 bay leaves
Juice of a lemon
1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic granules
salt and pepper

First thing to do is several hours before you plan to make the Bifana is to marinate the pork. Put the pork steaks in a bowl and add all the other ingredients (except the bread rolls and butter). Mix well and rub on the pork steaks so they're well covered. Cover and put in the fridge.

When you're ready to make your Bifana, melt the butter in a frying pan and put in the pork steaks.

Cook on a medium heat until the steaks are cooked well on both sides. Now pour over the marinade liquid and put the lid on so they can cook some more.

When the marinade has turned into a thickened sauce they're ready. Slice a small baguette or sandwich roll open and fill with the pork steak. Drizzle over the sauce.

This was a great sandwich! The pork was soft and tender from being marinated which made it easy to bite into (important factor in sandwiches, trust me I've eaten a lot). The flavour of the pork was really delicious, the wine and lemon juice had combined to make a lovely light but flavourful sauce, helped along with paprika and garlic of course. The sauce soaked into the bread making that also delicious. Very enjoyable!