Pan con Tomate (Catalan Tomato Bread)
Local name: Pa amb tomàquet
In short: Crisp toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomato, then drizzled with olive oil and salt: the simple Catalan snack that goes with everything. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
In Catalonia, pa amb tomàquet is eaten with almost everything, from cured ham and cheese to grilled fish. It is nothing more than toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomato, then dressed with olive oil and salt. Because there are only five ingredients, quality matters: choose a crusty loaf and tomatoes that are soft and fragrant. Elsewhere in Spain the tomato is often grated and spooned on.
Instructions
- Toast or grill the bread slices for about 2 minutes per side, until crisp outside but still a little soft in the middle.
- While the bread is hot, rub the cut side of the garlic clove lightly over the surface of each slice. The rough crust acts like a grater.
- Rub the cut side of a tomato half over each slice, squeezing as you go so the pulp and juice soak in. Stop when only the skin is left in your hand.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt and serve right away, plain or with olives, roasted peppers or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Garlic goes a long way on rough toast. One clove is enough for four slices, and you can skip it if you prefer a milder taste.
- For a party, grate the tomatoes into a bowl with oil and salt, and let guests spoon it onto the toast. The bread stays crisp longer.
Questions and answers
What bread is best for pan con tomate?
A rustic loaf with an open crumb and a thick crust, such as ciabatta or country bread. Slice it thick so it stays crisp outside and soft inside.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh ripe tomatoes give a far better result. In winter, drain canned whole tomatoes well, crush them and spoon them on, adding extra olive oil.
What do you serve with pan con tomate?
It goes well with olives, roasted peppers, grilled vegetables and salads. It also works as a side for soup or as a quick breakfast.
How long does it take to make Pan con Tomate (Catalan Tomato Bread)?
About 15 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pan con Tomate (Catalan Tomato Bread)?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
