We are sure you have heard about one of the classic dishes in Catalonia, “Pa amb tomaquet”, bread with tomato. It consists of bread (optionally toasted) with tomato rubbed over and seasoned with olive oil and salt. Some people also like to add some garlic rubbed on the bread right before rubbing in the tomato. This Catalan dish is served accompanied with ham, cheese, anchovies or even grilled vegetables like “escalivada”. The original base used to be made with toasted slices of pa de pagès, a typical round piece of wheat bread of a fair size.
What is the origin of bread with tomato “Pa amb tomaquet”?
The origin of this dish is disputed, as tomato is relatively new to the Catalan cuisine. It is not an old tradition, since it is around hundred years old. Its origin is unknown, even though some experts believe that immigrants from Murcia had something to do with it. During 1920, Murcian workers in charge of building the subway in Barcelona, used to cultivate tomatoes near their workstation. They rubbed the tomatoes over the piece of bread they had for lunch, making it softer and more tasty.
So we can consider “Pa amb tomaquet” a quite modern Catalan dish. Nowadays this simple but tasty food defines part of the Catalan cuisine. And it is a unique dish for different reasons. It is healthy, since its ingredients are typical of the Mediterranean diet. It is a dish quick and easy to make, as well as versatile. It can be the perfect complement to serve with ham, cheese, sausage… Here you have the recipe to prepare this delicious Catalan dish:
Ingredients for a delicious bread with tomato, pa amb tomaquet:
- 2 Medium tomatoes, cut in half
- Rustic-style bread, ideally “pa de pages”
- 2 Cloves of garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to make pa amb tomaquet
1. Rub the garlic cloves over the top of the bread (already toasted).
2. Rub the tomato halves over the top of the toasted bread.
3. Sprinkle with salt with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Ready to serve!
Easy to prepare, healthy… and yummy! We suggest you to top pa amb tomaquet with ham, cheese or sausage. Try it, and tell us about it :)
And if you want to try another famous Catalan dish, we suggest you to cook another classic Spanish dish, tortilla de patatas.