When it comes to Spanish cuisine, you’re probably already aware of things like paella and tapas. But there’s a lot more to Spain than that, and this recipe can help you experience a unique and small part of Spain Catalonia – the traditional bread with tomato (pan con tomate) recipe. It’s so good that you may never want to eat any other bread! Read on as we show you how to make this iconic Spanish dish at home.
Ingredients
This dish is made with just a few simple ingredients: bread, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – when done right, pan con tomate is delicious. When at any of the tapas bars during tomato season, you can rest assured that bread topped with a shiny layer of olive oil and tomatoes will greet you at the bar.
How is it Eaten?
The dish is made with bread that’s rubbed with garlic and tomato, with olive added on top. These hunks of tomato-covered bread are famous in Spain for breakfast; they can also be eaten as an appetizer topped with ham, anchovies, or cheese. Adding fresh herbs or hard-boiled egg slices is one option beyond the basics.
The History
The popular Spanish dish is thought to have originated in the early 20th century in the Catalonia region of Spain. The dish is simple to make and can be served as a snack or light meal. Pan con tomate is typically made with fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes can also be used. To make the best pan con tomate, you must start with the best bread. A good rule of thumb is to look for hearty bread with a good crust. Sourdough bread is a great option, as is ciabatta or a baguette. If you can’t find any of those, a good ol’ loaf of white bread will do in a pinch.