Catalonia bread with tomato, known as "Pa amb Tomàquet" in Catalan, is a beloved traditional dish from Catalonia, Spain. This simple yet flavorful dish exemplifies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing the region's staple ingredients: bread, tomato, olive oil, and salt. Often enjoyed as a snack, light meal, or side dish, Pa amb Tomàquet is a staple in Catalan households and a popular offering in tapas bars.
The origins of Pa amb Tomàquet date back to the 18th century, where it was a practical way to use up stale bread. By rubbing ripe tomatoes onto the bread, they added moisture and flavor, making it more palatable. Over time, this humble practice evolved into a cherished culinary tradition, celebrated for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (preferably sourdough or country-style)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Bread: Cut the bread into thick slices, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) each.
3. Infuse Garlic Flavor: Rub the garlic cloves over each slice of bread to infuse the garlic flavor into the bread. Discard the garlic cloves.
4. Add Tomato Pulp: Cut the tomatoes in half and rub the cut side of the tomato on the bread, pressing down firmly to spread the tomato pulp over the bread. Discard the tomato skin.
5. Season: Drizzle each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Bake: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
7. Serve: Serve warm, straight from the oven.
Notes
- Variations: You can add toppings such as cured ham, anchovies, or cheese to create different variations of the dish.
- Alternative Methods: The bread can also be grilled or toasted instead of baked.
Nutrition Value:
1. Crusty Bread (1 loaf, preferably sourdough or country-style):
- Calories: Approximately 1200-1500 calories
- Carbohydrates: 200-250 grams
- Protein: 40-50 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Sodium: 1500-2000 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, and folate
- Minerals: Provides minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Bread is a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content and provides essential B vitamins and minerals.
2. Ripe Tomatoes (2):
- Calories: 40-50 calories
- Carbohydrates: 9-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 10-20 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. They also contain potassium, which supports heart health.
3. Garlic Cloves (2):
- Calories: 8-10 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1-2 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins C and B6
- Minerals: Provides manganese, selenium, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports immune function and cardiovascular health due to its sulfur-containing compounds.
4. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons):
- Calories: 360 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 40.5 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and K
- Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidant properties due to its vitamin E content.
5. Salt (to taste):
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Varies based on amount used
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: While necessary for bodily functions, excess sodium intake should be monitored to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
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