Introduction
Pan Con Tomate, also known as “tomato bread,” is a traditional Spanish dish that captures the essence of simple, fresh ingredients. With its origins in Catalonia, this delightful recipe combines crispy toasted bread with juicy, grated tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Where This Recipe Originally Comes From
Pan Con Tomate, or “Pa Amb Tomàquet” in Catalan, hails from the Catalonia region of Spain. It’s a staple of Catalan cuisine, often enjoyed as a breakfast item, tapa, or accompaniment to meals. This dish showcases the simplicity and quality of Mediterranean ingredients, emphasizing fresh produce, good bread, and high-quality olive oil. It’s a testament to the idea that the best dishes don’t always require a lot of ingredients or complicated techniques.
Tomatoes Fresh from the Garden
For the best Pan Con Tomate, use tomatoes fresh from the garden. Homegrown tomatoes are usually more flavorful, juicy, and sweet compared to store-bought ones. They capture the essence of summer and bring a vibrant taste to the dish. If you have a garden, this is a fantastic way to utilize your harvest and enjoy the peak season of tomatoes. Check out more summer recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomato: Use any fresh, ripe tomato. Roma tomatoes are a great choice, but feel free to use heirloom, cherry, or any variety you prefer.
Garlic: Half a garlic clove is used to rub on the toasted bread, infusing it with a subtle garlic flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.
Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the tomatoes. Adjust to taste.
Lime Juice: Optional, but adds a fresh, tangy twist to the tomato mixture.
Bread: Rustic, hearty bread works best. Choose a variety that can hold up to the tomato without getting soggy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for drizzling the pan and adds richness to the dish.
Helpful Tools
- Cast Iron Pan: Essential for toasting the bread evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
- Cheese Grater: Used for grating the tomato into a coarse puree.
- Bowl: To collect the grated tomato.
- Knife: For slicing the tomato and garlic.
How to Make Pan Con Tomate Recipe
Preparing the Bread
Drizzle a cast iron pan on medium heat with a little olive oil and toast the bread to your liking. Aim for a fairly crispy texture to prevent the fresh tomato from making it soggy.
Grating the Tomato
Slice a small piece off the top of the tomato, and grate it over a bowl using the large grates of a cheese grater.
Discard the remaining peel.
If you find any pieces of tomato peel in the bowl, remove them (or enjoy them with a little salt!).
Add salt to taste, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Stir to combine.
Assembling the Pan Con Tomate
Once the bread is toasted, rub the cut side of the garlic clove all over the warm bread.
Top the toasted bread with the grated tomato mixture and serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy, rustic bread to ensure it holds up well with the tomato topping.
- Garlic Rubbing: Rub the garlic on the bread while it’s still warm for better flavor infusion.
- Tomato Peeling: Don’t worry if some tomato peel gets into the mix; it adds texture and flavor.
- Lime Juice: A small squeeze of lime juice can enhance the freshness of the tomato mixture.
FAQ
Yes, any hearty, rustic bread will work. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the tomato mixture without getting soggy.
No, lime juice is optional but it adds a refreshing tang to the dish.
Feel free to experiment with toppings like fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Pan Con Tomate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized ripe tomato (I used roma, but any fresh tomato will work)
- ½ a garlic clove
- sea salt to taste
- 1 squeeze fresh lime juice (optional)
Toast
- 2 slices rustic hearty bread
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preparing the Bread
- Drizzle a cast iron pan on medium heat with a little olive oil and toast the bread to your liking. I like it to be fairly crispy so the fresh tomato doesn't make it soggy.
Grating the Tomato
- Slice a small piece off the top of the tomato, and grate it over a bowl using the large grates in your cheese grater.
- You should be left with most of the peel which can be discarded. If you find any pieces of the tomato peel in the bowl, you can pull them out. (I personally just eat the peel with a little salt!)
- Add salt to taste, and a little squeeze of lime juice if desired. Stir to combine.
Assembling the Pan Con Tomate
- As soon as the bread is toasted, rub the garlic cut side down all over the warm bread.
- Next, top the toasted bread with the grated tomato and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Pan Con Tomate
Pan Con Tomate is a simple yet flavorful Spanish dish that highlights the freshness of its ingredients. With crispy toasted bread, juicy grated tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, it’s perfect for any meal or snack. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a taste of Spain at home!
My tomato plants this season have produce so many tomatoes so I’ve been looking at other ways to cook them and use them and this popped up and I absolutely loved it so quick and tasty
the perfect use for those garden fresh tomatoes! It makes the tomatoes the star of the show which I love! So happy you loved it too 🙂
Love this! So simple and yet so tasty. I was making this all summer with my fresh tomatoes 😊🍅🍅🌞🌻
Thank you!!! Yes it’s sooo perfect for those fresh garden tomatoes! 🙂
The nutritional values are important to me, There doesn’t seem to be any with these recipes.?
Very delicious simple and tasty. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much Kristal!