Why over complicate the simple?
Somethings are delicious with just a few ingredients. And don't quite need a recipe - a drizzle of this, a dash of that a good rub of this. That kind of sums up what we're making today. You'll be hard pressed findingĀ a tapas or pinxtos bar in Spain that doesn't serve up a version of pan con tomate.
Lovely rustic bread, toasted on a wood fired grill, which sadly but not overly disappointing in my little kitchen, means the broiler. Couple of cloves of garlic, fresh summer vine ripened tomato (a must!) and of course of my favorite NocellaraĀ olive oil from Sicily. I'm down to my last bottle and every drop is precious!
But with so few ingredients, the quality take precedence.
So easy and delicious is this Spanish staple that I'm fixing this when friends are over for dinner tomorrow night. After a busy cooking class during the day, I'm going the easy route for dinner ~ and this will be perfect!
Did I mention, the thin slices of serrano ham are just delicious as a topper! And a good glass of my favorite Oyster Bay Pinot Noir will only add to it all.
warmly,
Devaki
Recipe for Pan con Tomate Serves 4-6
Shopping list:
1 baguette 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 RIPE, vine tomato ā cut in half
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Artisan salt (to sprinkle)
Serrano Jamon slices (to serve)
Preparation: Heat the oven to BROIL
Bread: Cut the loaf into 3ā pieces and then half each LENGTHWISE into 2 halves. Place the bread on a cookie sheet or baking tray.
Keep a pastry brush handy with the olive oil
Method
Broil the bread until well toasted (1-2 minutes max). Remove from the oven.
Work fast this point on!
Liberally apply olive oil all over the bread with a pastry brush.
Rub garlic cloves all over the bread so it āmeltsā into the bread. Sprinkle with a touch of artisan salt to finish.
While the bread is still hot, rub the tomato all over the bread slices so the juices and pulp infuse the bread.
Tear each jamon slice lengthwise and fold attractively over each bread slice.
Serve immediately. Keep & it will turn yucky soggy!
Enjoy!
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