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Spanish Tomato Bread Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

Spanish Tomato Bread, known as Pan con Tomate, is a simple yet flavorful Catalan classic featuring rustic grilled ciabatta bread rubbed with garlic, topped with freshly grated ripe tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish is a perfect appetizer or light snack that celebrates the fresh flavors of Spain with minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 loaf ciabatta bread

Toppings

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 ripe medium tomatoes (preferably vine-ripened)
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf into thick slices about 1 inch thick. Brush each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Grill the bread: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill on medium-high heat. Place the bread slices on the grill and toast until golden and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Rub with garlic: Immediately after grilling, rub the toasted bread slices with the peeled garlic cloves to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
  4. Prepare the tomato topping: Cut the ripe tomatoes in half and grate them over a bowl using the coarse side of a box grater, discarding the skins. This creates a juicy, fresh tomato pulp perfect for spreading.
  5. Assemble the tomato bread: Spoon the grated tomato generously over each garlic-rubbed bread slice. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor—vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal.
  • Ciabatta bread is preferred for its rustic texture, but other crusty breads like baguette or sourdough work well too.
  • Adjust garlic quantity depending on how strong you want the garlic flavor.
  • This dish is best served fresh as the bread can become soggy over time.
  • Perfect as an appetizer or alongside Spanish tapas and charcuterie.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/spanish-tomato-bread-recipe/