Spanish Tomato Toast - pan con tomate

Description:

For the best flavor, use vine-ripe tomatoes, preferably home grown ones. If not available, Slow-Roasted or Baked Tomatoes may be substituted or a good-quality canned tomatoes (ideally the pear-shaped ones), well-drained of their packing juices.

Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices sourdough or country-style bread, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices
• 4 cloves garlic peeled and cut in half
• 4 small ripe tomatoes cut in half
• Cruet of extra-virgin olive oil
• Small bowl of coarse salt or sea salt
• Freshly ground peppercorns

Method:

1. Grill the bread approximately 2 to 4 minutes per side on a barbecue or toast it lightly in the oven.


2. Rub tomato (cut side) over the bread, pressing firmly to push the pulp into the bread, until the toast is covered with tomato; discard the skins and remaining pulp.


3. Drizzle olive oil over the bread and tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and a couple grind of pepper. Serve immediately


4. There are two ways to serve tomato bread:
   The first is for the cook to do the rubbing and drizzling.
   The second is to provide each person with a clove of garlic, half tomato, cruet of oil, and bowl of salt and let him or her do the work. The second way is more fun.


5. Optional garnish, choose one or a combination:
   1/2 cup green Spanish olives
   12 anchovy fillets, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes, drained, and patted dry
   6 paper-thin slices Spanish ham or prosciutto
   12 paper-thin slices Manchego