Pan con tomate is a traditional Spanish breakfast, and my favourite way to start the weekend is by heading out for breakfast in one of our local cafes.
Wherever you are in Spain you’ll find a version on the menu of almost every bar and café, although it may have a different regional name (it’s called pa amb tomaquet in Catalan, for example, and pa amb oli in Mallorca).
What is Pan con Tomate?
Simply put, it’s bread and tomato. However, there is more to it than that. The tomato is grated to a pulp, before being drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. This means that the bread should be thick enough to soak up the tomato without going soggy – no sliced white here!
How to make Pan con Tomate
If you want to recreate this typically Spanish dish it’s so easy to make at home and only requires four ingredients – bread, tomato, olive oil and salt. As the ingredients are minimal make sure that what you use is good quality so that you get the depth of flavour you’ll find in Spain.
The ingredients you’ll need (for two people)
- Crusty bread. I use an andaluza which is a half baguette with a soft inside, but a baguette or ciabatta would work well too.
- 2 tomatoes. The bigger the tomato the better so something like a beefsteak tomato works well. The tomatoes should be firm and ripe (but not over-ripe) to make the grating easier.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Sea salt.
You’ll also need a box grater and a large bowl.
Step by step instructions for the perfect Pan con Tomate
- Cut the tomatoes in half and, using the large-holed side of the box grater, grate them over the bowl until you’re left with the pulp. Throw away the stalk and the skin.
- Add a glug of olive oil (about a tablespoon) to the tomato along with a pinch of salt.
- Stir the mixture and voila – your topping is ready.
- Toast the bread and, once done, spoon the tomato onto your toast, drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Enjoy with a café con leche.
If you want to make a larger quantity it keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container (and actually tastes better the next day).
In some places you may be asked if you want garlic with your pan con tomate. If I’m having this later in the day I’ll often have garlic but, for breakfast, it’s a bit early in the day! If you do fancy added garlic, simply rub a clove on your toast before you add the tomato.
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So simple but so delicious. Fresh tomatoes is one key. I like to spice mine up a little bit, with fresh ground pepper at least but usually something a little tangier.
You’re like my partner – he spices up pretty much everything he eats! :o)
Hi, we are always looking for authentic travel related recipes. Thank you for sharing this super easy Spanish dish!
I hope you enjoy it – it’s so tasty and the fact it’s so easy makes it even better!!
I want to make this ASAP! Tks for sharing!
You’re welcome. Enjoy making (and eating) it!
Yum, Alison! ? Aren’t the best dishes, the simple ones? Your photos are lovely & so inspiring me to make some!
I’m definitely all about making simple dishes – minimum ingredients but maximum taste!
This is so simple yet looks so good! I’m sure everything is better in Spain!
We do have great fresh ingredients here but I do miss a few of the tastes of home!
Such a simple recipe but looks ABSOLUTELY delicious! i definitely have to try it sometime!
It’s super tasty Lannie and even better in that it only takes minutes to make!
Noting on the grocery list to get big tomatoes! Thanks 😉
Enjoy making it – and eating it too of course!
I wouldn’t have thought of having something like this for breakfast but it sounds and looks delicious. Going to try it out this week.
It’s not something I would have even considered before moving here either – now I honestly can’t get enough of it. Makes me feel virtuous when I tuck in!! ;o)
What a simple and delicious treat. I’ll have to try these but I’m the only one in the house that likes tomatoes. Oh well, more for me.
Funnily enough my partner isn’t keen on tomatoes usually but he loves this!
I’m not sure I would have this for breakfast, but definitely for lunch! It’s like a twist on the bruschetta 🙂
If you’re having it for lunch you could add some jamon to it to make it a bit more substantial too.
Oh that looks delicious. So simple to make too. I don’t think I’ve ever grated a tomato though. First time for everything.
Make sure you use the large holes on the grater – I used the small ones the first time and ended up grating my fingers too!! ;o)
I love anything that requires only four ingredients and looks as good as you make it look! I really miss fresh pan con tomate with a cafe con leche. Can’t wait to go back!