The Iconic Pan con Tomate: A Recipe of Catalan Cuisine
Pan con tomate is undoubtedly one of the most iconic recipes of Catalan cuisine. Some enjoy it as a simple breakfast, while others pair it with cured meats and cheeses. What remains consistent is its simplicity: bread, tomato, and extra virgin olive oil.
Its origin is linked to traditional resourceful cooking in Catalonia. That’s why at My Way, we serve this dish with excellent crispy coca bread.
The Origin
Though it might seem like a classic Mediterranean recipe with centuries of history, it’s not. One of its main ingredients, the tomato, didn’t become popular in Spain until the 18th century, as it originated in the Americas. The first references to pan con tomate date back to 1884. Discover more about the history of tomatoes here.
It’s believed that in 1884, Catalonia had a great tomato harvest. In a region known for making the most of every ingredient, farmers started using tomatoes to soften stale bread. They would crush ripe tomatoes against the bread to achieve this.
The Recipe for Pan con Tomate
Though it seems simple, this recipe has its nuances. In Catalonia, tomatoes are traditionally rubbed directly onto slices of bread. In other places, like Murcia, tomatoes are grated and served on top of the bread.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Slice a piece of pagès or coca bread and lightly toast it.
Step 2
Take a garlic clove and rub it on the freshly toasted bread (optional).
Step 3
Take a very ripe tomato, cut it in half, and rub it onto the bread. Only the tomato skin should remain in your hand.
Step 4
Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
The Ingredients
High-Quality Bread
This recipe typically uses either pagès or coca bread. At My Way, we use coca bread, known for its thin, crispy crust and airy crumb.
Tomatoes
The ideal tomato for this recipe is one that is very ripe and almost liquid inside when touched. This ensures the tomato fully saturates the toast.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The emblematic ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine is essential for this Catalan recipe. Using high-quality olive oil is crucial to enhance the flavor. Learn more about the benefits of olive oil.
Try My Way’s Pan con Tomate
Pair it with our Ibérico ham or our charcuterie and cheese board. A perfect combination!