Sometimes the simplest meals are the best meals. One of the best dishes I've ever eaten was a tomato bisque soup, and this recipe for pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread) is similar in its simplicity.
There's only 3 ingredients: a large tomato, two slices of crusty bread, and a garlic clove. You should include some olive oil and salt as well, to taste. This will help amplify the flavor of the tomato and garlic.
Because this recipe has so few ingredients, quality matters. When tomatoes are in season and ripe, this recipe shines. Since you blend the tomato in a puree and spread it on your bread, the variety of tomato you use won’t matter as much. As long as it’s ripe and in good condition, you’re in luck.
Good extra virgin olive oil is also crucial for how the taste turns out. “A good olive oil has multiple dimensions. The only way to familiarize yourself with them is by tasting, and paying attention to what you sense,” writes Samin Nosrat. “If you taste something expensive and don't like it, then it's not for you. If you find a ten dollar bottle that's delicious, then you've scored!”
Also, thick bread will bring a big base of the tomato sauce so the bread won’t get soggy. If you don’t own a blender and are looking for a way to turn your tomato into a puree, a handheld immersion blender, as well as a cheese grater, will achieve the same result.
Editorial contributions by Keaton Larson
Ingredients
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1 large tomato, chopped
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2 slices crusty bread
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1 clove garlic, halved
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
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sea salt to taste
Directions
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Place tomato in a blender; blend until smooth.
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Toast the bread until browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Rub each slice of toast with garlic; this is easier to do if the peel is left on.
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Top each slice of toast with pureed tomato. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Ramona Cruz-Peters
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 322 | Calories |
| 16g | Fat |
| 39g | Carbs |
| 7g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 1 | |
| Calories 322 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 16g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 12% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 896mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrate 39g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 7g | 15% |
| Vitamin C 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium 114mg | 9% |
| Iron 3mg | 16% |
| Potassium 522mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
