Pan con Tomate

It’s almost a month when we went to Spain for a short vacation. I am still in awe of the beautiful architecture, Casa Batlo, La Pedraro, Sagrada Familia, etc. On the other hand the rustic feel of the southern Spain. The Andalusian region is my favorite, for its rustic and charming. The old European and Mediterranean mix makes it quite a special place. The best place of our trip was Ronda, a Pueblo Blanco (aka White Village). It is a small town built on a gorge with a fertile terrain all around. Calm and serene, beautiful and rustic. Not only the town itself, but the train ride to Ronda and the bus ride on the way back to Seville is something I will cherish for life. Have a look at the picture and you will know why it is so special.

Since, we started early in the morning from Granada (another beautiful place in Spain), we were very hungry when we reached Ronda. The first cafe we saw was at the train station itself. I generally don’t expect much from cafe’s at stations, but this one changed my opinion. The beautiful girl at the cafe brought us Pan Con Tomate and coffee. And, the breakfast became a winner for ever. I had already decided on the first day of our trip to Spain that I will do a Spanish cuisine day. So, here it is, the breakfast of the Spanish cuisine day, Pan Con Tomate as they call in Spanish and Pa amb Tomaquet in Catalan.

 

Ingredients for Pan con Tomate

Serves 2

• Baguette or any other artisan bread – 1
• Tomatoes – 2
• Garlic spray/garlic powder/garlic clove
• Olive oil – as much as you want to sprinkle
• Salt to taste
• Any fresh herb to garnish (optional)

Method for Pan con Tomate

1. Cut the baguette in 2 pieces an then half lengthwise.
2. Brush the bread with a little olive oil and toast it in a toaster, grill pan or broil for 10 minutes until it turns crisp and light brown.
3. While the bread is getting ready, grate the tomatoes. We don’t want the peel to go in.
4. By now the bread would be ready, so, sprinkle some garlic spray or some garlic powder or just rub cut a garlic clove and rub it from the cut side.
5. Spread the grated tomatoes (which should be a thick purée) over the toasted bread.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt.
7. This is not necessary but you can garnish with any fresh herb, I used fresh parsley.

Enjoy the simple morning treat!