10 minutes
A simple yet profoundly flavorful Catalan dish made with toasted country-style bread, ripe tomatoes, mild extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
Country-style Bread, thick slices
slices
Tomato, ripe
each
tablespoons
to taste
1. Toast the Bread
First, toast the bread until it’s slightly crispy. This step is crucial as it gives the bread a crunchy surface that will beautifully soak up the tomato juices while still retaining a pleasant chewiness.
2. Rub Tomato on Bread
Next, cut the large ripe tomato in half. Holding one half of the tomato, rub the cut side vigorously over the toasted bread. The bread’s rough texture will help grate the tomato, allowing the juices and pulp to soak into the bread, creating a delightful, moist layer of tomato goodness.
3. Drizzle Olive Oil
Once the bread is sufficiently soaked with the tomato juices, drizzle a generous amount of mild extra virgin olive oil over the top. The olive oil will mingle with the tomato, adding richness and depth to the flavor profile.
4. Season with Salt
Finally, sprinkle salt over the oiled bread to taste. The salt not only enhances the flavor but also balances the acidity of the tomato, making each bite perfectly seasoned and delicious.
Top the tomato-rubbed bread with thin slices of serrano ham, prosciutto, or anchovies. These salty proteins complement the sweetness of the tomato and add a new texture to the dish.
Add slices of Manchego cheese, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese on top of the bread before adding the tomato. The cheese can be allowed to melt slightly under a broiler for a gooey texture.
Add thin slices of Manchego, fresh mozzarella, or a sprinkle of feta to introduce a creamy or tangy element. Consider a light grating of aged cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano for a nutty, umami-packed contrast.
Swap out the traditional crusty bread for other types such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain for different textures and flavors. Try toasting the bread lightly with olive oil and a touch of garlic for an added depth of flavor.
Crown the tomato-rubbed bread with anchovies, Spanish ham, or chorizo to add a salty, meaty element. For a vegetarian option, top with roasted vegetables, olives, or marinated artichokes.
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