This one is shocking to get in with only 13 points. It’s not the healthiest of meals, but this one is a real sensory pleasure.
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We got the idea from our recent trip to the Algarve in Portugal, you know the place – the vacationland region of southern Portugal made famous by the disappearance of little Madeline McCann. Anyhow, let’s just say that the Algarve should not be known by their food. The best meal we had was the can of Pringles and box of brownies we brought over from the UK. As a matter of fact, we often pass this restaurant on Trinity Road called “The Algarve” and wonder what could possibly be on the menu that is keeping them in business.
We got the idea from our recent trip to the Algarve in Portugal, you know the place – the vacationland region of southern Portugal made famous by the disappearance of little Madeline McCann. Anyhow, let’s just say that the Algarve should not be known by their food. The best meal we had was the can of Pringles and box of brownies we brought over from the UK. As a matter of fact, we often pass this restaurant on Trinity Road called “The Algarve” and wonder what could possibly be on the menu that is keeping them in business.
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One thing on every menu at the golf courses along the Algarve coast was a Portuguese steak sandwich – and most came on garlic-buttered ciabatta with crispy fried onions. We thought there would be no way to recreate this within the scope of a weightwatchers point counting day, but we were pleasantly surprised. Quite frankly, even with the garlic butter, there aren’t a lot of bad ingredients and it’s not like we’re breading and deep frying the thing. Although I hope you’re thinking what I’m thinking: a deep fried and breaded steak and onion ring sandwich….yum.
One thing on every menu at the golf courses along the Algarve coast was a Portuguese steak sandwich – and most came on garlic-buttered ciabatta with crispy fried onions. We thought there would be no way to recreate this within the scope of a weightwatchers point counting day, but we were pleasantly surprised. Quite frankly, even with the garlic butter, there aren’t a lot of bad ingredients and it’s not like we’re breading and deep frying the thing. Although I hope you’re thinking what I’m thinking: a deep fried and breaded steak and onion ring sandwich….yum.
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So we marinate our steak in some olive oil and adobo spice, grilling it about a minute a side. We slice that up and put aside. We cut the ciabatta down the middle and whip up some garlic butter (1T butter to 1 clove garlic) and apply to the bread with a brush. I buy paint brushes from the homeware shop and make sure to keep them in the kitchen and not mixed up with the paint. Applying with a brush means you don’t over do it but do get enough coverage. Sprays are not ideal. I toast this under the broiler with the buttered inside sides up until nicely golden brown. Then I take them out of the oven, apply some lettuce, tomato, the steak and the crispy onions and put it all back in the oven. Adding cheese and getting it all nice and melty also adds to the experience.
So we marinate our steak in some olive oil and adobo spice, grilling it about a minute a side. We slice that up and put aside. We cut the ciabatta down the middle and whip up some garlic butter (1T butter to 1 clove garlic) and apply to the bread with a brush. I buy paint brushes from the homeware shop and make sure to keep them in the kitchen and not mixed up with the paint. Applying with a brush means you don’t over do it but do get enough coverage. Sprays are not ideal. I toast this under the broiler with the buttered inside sides up until nicely golden brown. Then I take them out of the oven, apply some lettuce, tomato, the steak and the crispy onions and put it all back in the oven. Adding cheese and getting it all nice and melty also adds to the experience.
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Along with our sandwich we serve just a bit of salad and gazpacho tonight. The sandwich is so filling you’d be hard pressed to eat much more.
Along with our sandwich we serve just a bit of salad and gazpacho tonight. The sandwich is so filling you’d be hard pressed to eat much more.
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Weightwatchers points: 13 as follows: 4 for the bread, 4 for the steak, 2 for the onions, 2 for the butter, and 1 for the trace oil in the gazpacho or salad dressing.
Weightwatchers points: 13 as follows: 4 for the bread, 4 for the steak, 2 for the onions, 2 for the butter, and 1 for the trace oil in the gazpacho or salad dressing.
I'm loving your plates. :) perfect w/the red kitchen and chairs, no doubt.
ReplyDeletequestion re: crispy onions.. premade or did you fry 'em up on a previous occasion?
ummm the crispy onions were store bought. Like the French's ones you get in america. I had in fact been planning to batter and make onions myself but then i came across the crispy onions here and was so surprised to have found them that i cheated. they were very yummy though.
ReplyDeleteyum yum, this is one of my favorites, looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSimon