I am a resident of Spain! So cool to finally be able to say it. And Spanish cuisine is fantastic, so I'm happy to introduce you to one of my favorites: pan con tomate! This vegetarian Spanish appetizer is very easy to make at home.
Pan con tomate
20 minutes
Pan con tomate
Pan con tomate, also known as "pa amb tomàquet" in Catalonia, is a simple but iconic dish from Spain. It consists of toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomato, often flavored with a little olive oil, salt and garlic. This snack is especially popular in the region of Catalonia, but is appreciated throughout Spain as a breakfast, tapa or side dish.
The origins of pan con tomate go back to the 19th century, when farmers used it as a way to reuse old bread. Rubbing tomato into the bread made it softer and more flavorful again. This simple idea grew into a culinary tradition and today symbolizes the Mediterranean style of eating: simple, seasonal and full of flavor.
Although the dish contains basic ingredients, the taste depends on the quality of the produce. Ripe, juicy tomatoes and good extra virgin olive oil make all the difference. Here in Valencia they have tomate Valenciana and they are huge, ripe and juicy. The simplicity of pan con tomate highlights the rich flavors of the ingredients and offers a pure eating experience. In the Netherlands, for example, I would recommend these tomatoes.
This dish is a perfect example of how Spanish cuisine can create something incredibly flavorful with few ingredients, a tribute to peasant life and Mediterranean culture.
Why are tomatoes so healthy?
Tomatoes are a great source of nutrients and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin A, which is good for the eyes and skin. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they are low in calories and high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. They also contain lots of water!
More recipes with tomatoes
Looking for more recipes with tomato? How about cod from the oven with olives and tomato, gnocchi with burrata and tomatoes or whipped feta with roasted tomatoes.
What you need:
1 baguette
2-3 large beef tomatoes
1 clove of garlic
1 tsp dried basil
pepper and sea salt
good olive oil
These supplies are based on 1 baguette
What to do:
1
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
2
Cut the baguette into pieces and cut in half. Place them inside up on the baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and slide into the oven for 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them because they can go fast!
3
Grate the tomatoes with a fine grater. Then strain through a sieve to remove excess liquid and return to a bowl. Add a generous splash of olive oil along with some pepper and sea salt.
4
Peel one clove of garlic. Rub the whole clove of garlic over the bread to give it a nice garlic flavor.
5
Spread the tomato mixture over the sandwiches and top with the dried basil and a pinch of sea salt.
