Authentic Spanish Pan con Tomate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 loaf of crusty bread
  • 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut the loaf of bread into 1/2 inch slices and place them on a baking tray.
  3. Bake the bread slices in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
  4. While the bread is toasting, cut the tomatoes in half and grate them using a box grater into a bowl. Make sure to discard the skin.
  5. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half.
  6. Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and rub one side of each slice with a half of garlic.
  7. Drizzle the olive oil over the garlic-rubbed side of the bread slices.
  8. Spoon the grated tomato over the slices of bread, making sure to cover the entire surface.
  9. Sprinkle sea salt over the tomato-topped bread to taste.
  10. Serve immediately while still warm.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the tomatoes and cutting the garlic cloves.
  • Box grater - Used to grate the tomatoes for the topping.
  • Baking tray - A tray used for toasting the bread slices in the oven.
  • Oven - Used to toast the bread slices.
  • Bowl - A container for grating the tomatoes and holding the grated tomato.
  • Spoon - Used to spoon the grated tomato onto the bread slices.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or baguette.
  • Add toppings like sliced avocado, cured meats (such as prosciutto or serrano ham), or cheese (such as mozzarella or feta).
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
  • Try using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a mellower flavor.
  • Create a vegan version by omitting the garlic and using a plant-based butter or margarine instead of olive oil.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or serve the tomato mixture over gluten-free crackers or rice cakes.
  • Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or reduction for a touch of sweetness.
  • Grill the bread slices instead of toasting them in the oven for a smoky flavor.
  • Make a spicy version by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • Add a layer of thinly sliced red onion or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe overview

Pan con Tomate, also known as Tomato Bread, is a classic Spanish dish that's incredibly simple to make, yet bursting with flavor. This recipe transforms a few basic ingredients into a delightful snack or appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. All you need are ripe tomatoes, a loaf of crusty bread, some garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. The bread is toasted until golden, then rubbed with fresh garlic and topped with grated tomato and a generous drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of sea salt is the finishing touch that brings all the flavors together. Serve it warm and enjoy a piece of Spanish culinary tradition right at your home. You'll find that it's a recipe so straightforward and delicious, you'll be making it again and again.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of tomato for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any ripe tomato for this recipe. However, it is recommended to use juicy tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor.
  2. Do I need to remove the skin from the tomatoes?
    Yes, it is important to remove the skin from the tomatoes before grating them. Only the flesh of the tomato should be used for the Pan con Tomate.
  3. Can I use pre-sliced bread instead of a whole loaf?
    Yes, you can use pre-sliced bread if you prefer. However, using a fresh crusty loaf and slicing it yourself will result in a better texture and taste.
  4. Can I add other ingredients like herbs or cheese?
    Traditional Pan con Tomate is made with just tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and bread. However, you can experiment with additional ingredients like basil, minced onion, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese if you prefer.
  5. Can I make the bread slices ahead of time?
    While it's best to serve Pan con Tomate immediately after assembling, you can toast the bread slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a few hours. However, avoid assembling the tomato topping until you are ready to serve to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the bread and cutting the garlic.
  • Box grater - Used to grate the tomatoes for the topping.
  • Baking tray - Used to toast the bread slices in the oven.
  • Spoon - To evenly spread the grated tomato over the bread.

Origin stories

Pan con Tomate is a simple, rustic dish that has become a symbol of Catalan cuisine. Originating from northeastern Spain, it was traditionally a breakfast staple in Catalonia, utilized as a means to use up stale bread and overripe tomatoes. With its roots in the rural, agricultural society, Pan con Tomate was born out of frugality and the need to waste nothing. Farmers would take yesterday's bread, rub it with ripe tomatoes from the garden, drizzle some olive oil, and sprinkle a little salt. This humble, yet rich in flavors dish, is now widely served as tapas in bars all over Spain and has travelled across the globe, attesting to the universality of simple, good food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.