Pan con Tomate, also known as ‘Pa amb tomàquet’ in Catalan, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Spanish dish that highlights its ingredients’ pure, fresh flavors. This traditional recipe involves rubbing ripe, juicy tomatoes onto crusty bread, then drizzling it with high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Sometimes, garlic is rubbed on the bread before the tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. Pan con Tomate is a staple in Spanish cuisine, often enjoyed as a tapa, for breakfast, or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that celebrate the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Toast the Bread:
Toast the bread slices until they are golden and crisp. You can do this in a toaster, under a broiler, or on a grill.
Rub with Garlic:
Rub one side of each toasted bread slice with the peeled garlic clove. The rough texture of the toasted bread will help grate the garlic.
Add Tomato:
Take a halved tomato and rub it over the garlic-rubbed side of the bread, allowing the flesh to soak into the bread while leaving the skin behind.
Season:
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the bread and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Serve:
Enjoy as is or accompany with slices of ham, cheese, or anchovies for added flavor.
Ingredients
Directions
Toast the Bread:
Toast the bread slices until they are golden and crisp. You can do this in a toaster, under a broiler, or on a grill.
Rub with Garlic:
Rub one side of each toasted bread slice with the peeled garlic clove. The rough texture of the toasted bread will help grate the garlic.
Add Tomato:
Take a halved tomato and rub it over the garlic-rubbed side of the bread, allowing the flesh to soak into the bread while leaving the skin behind.
Season:
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the bread and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Serve:
Enjoy as is or accompany with slices of ham, cheese, or anchovies for added flavor.
Notes
Perfect Wine Pairing:
- Garnacha (Grenache): A light, fruity Garnacha pairs wonderfully with Pan con Tomate, complementing the dish’s simplicity and the tomato’s acidity.