Catalan-style Garlic Tomato Bread (Pa amb tomàquet) Recipe

"Pa amb tomàquet, which translates to "bread with tomato" in Catalan, is a traditional Catalan dish from Spain. It is a simple yet delicious preparation that showcases the flavors of rustic bread, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The dish involves rubbing the bread with garlic cloves, followed by rubbing the cut side of ripe tomatoes onto the bread, allowing the pulp and juice to impart their flavors. The bread is then drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. The result is a delightful combination of crispy bread with the sweetness of tomatoes, the aroma of garlic, and the richness of olive oil. The optional toppings such as cured meats, cheese, or olives add extra layers of flavor and texture. Pa amb tomàquet is commonly served as an appetizer or accompaniment to various meals in Catalonia. It is a beloved dish that highlights the use of fresh, simple ingredients and celebrates the Mediterranean flavors of the region. It's worth noting that while Pa amb tomàquet is a traditional Catalan dish, variations of bread with tomato are found in other Mediterranean cuisines as well, each with its own regional twist. Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic, tomato, olive oil, and salt according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your Pa amb tomàquet! User what is the prep time, cook time and servings? write a brief explination of what Pa amb tomàquet is. ChatGPT Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes (for toasting the bread) Servings: Depends on the number of bread slices and desired portion size Explanation of Pa amb tomàquet: Pa amb tomàquet, which translates to "bread with tomato" in Catalan, is a traditional Catalan dish from Spain. It is a simple yet delicious preparation that showcases the flavors of rustic bread, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The dish involves rubbing the bread with garlic cloves, followed by rubbing the cut side of ripe tomatoes onto the bread, allowing the pulp and juice to impart their flavors. The bread is then drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. The result is a delightful combination of crispy bread with the sweetness of tomatoes, the aroma of garlic, and the richness of olive oil. The optional toppings such as cured meats, cheese, or olives add extra layers of flavor and texture. Pa amb tomàquet is commonly served as an appetizer or accompaniment to various meals in Catalonia. It is a beloved dish that highlights the use of fresh, simple ingredients and celebrates the Mediterranean flavors of the region. It's worth noting that while Pa amb tomàquet is a traditional Catalan dish, variations of bread with tomato are found in other Mediterranean cuisines as well, each with its own regional twist."

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (90.3 g)

Calories 62.1

Total Fat - 1.7 g

Saturated Fat - 0.3 g

Cholesterol - 6.1 mg

Sodium - 47 mg

Total Carbohydrate - 11.2 g

Dietary Fiber - 1.1 g

Sugars - 2 g

Protein - 1.4 g

Calcium - 13.2 mg

Iron - 0.4 mg

Vitamin C - 10.9 mg

Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the bread into thick slices, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Place the slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 2

Cut the garlic cloves in half. Take one garlic half and rub it vigorously over one side of each bread slice. The garlic should release its aroma and flavor onto the bread. Repeat with the remaining garlic halves and bread slices.

Step 3

Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise. Take one tomato half and rub it over the garlic-rubbed side of each bread slice. The tomato flesh should grate against the bread, leaving behind some pulp and juice. Repeat with the remaining tomato halves and bread slices.

Step 4

Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the tomato and garlic-rubbed side of each bread slice. The bread should soak up the oil, becoming slightly moist but not soggy.

Step 5

Sprinkle a pinch of salt over each slice, to taste. Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.

Step 6

At this point, you can add optional toppings. Arrange slices of cured meats, cheese, or olives on top of the bread slices, if desired.

Step 7

Serve the Pa amb tomàquet immediately, while the bread is still warm and crispy.

Tips

No special items needed.

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LifeIsGood

So good! I left ours plain to serve with our dinner and it was devoured. Simplicity and fresh flavors win here. Next time I'll flip the bread around to toast both sides because after sitting a little while the untoasted side did start to get a bit soggy. Also, I used the broiler for a few minutes to get the bread toastier. We loved the real garlic flavor, tomato, and hint of salt. Yum!