Pan con Tomate y Jamón Serrano
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spain with Pan con Tomate y Jamón Serrano! This delightful dish combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic essence of garlic, all drizzled with high-quality olive oil. Topped with thin, savory slices of Serrano ham and served on crispy baguette toasts, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch, snacks, or appetizer for any gathering. Share it with friends and family and transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
4 (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Baguette
20 slices (toasted)
Serrano ham
5-6 slices (torn into pieces)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes and finely chopped garlic. Add the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix well and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill pan on medium heat. Toast the baguette slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3
Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven or grill and allow them to cool slightly.
4
Generously spoon the chilled tomato mixture onto each slice of toasted baguette.
5
Tear the Serrano ham into bite-sized pieces and place one piece on top of the tomato topping on each slice of bread.
6
Serve immediately while the toast is warm and the topping is fresh for an authentic Spanish experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pan con Tomate y Jamón Serrano?
It is a traditional Spanish dish featuring crispy toasted baguette topped with a fresh mixture of chopped tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, finished with savory slices of Serrano ham.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 tomatoes, 1 garlic clove, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, 20 slices of baguette, and 5-6 slices of Serrano ham.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be chopped and mixed with finely chopped garlic and olive oil.
Why must the tomato mixture be refrigerated for 30 minutes?
Refrigerating the mixture allows the flavors of the tomato, garlic, and olive oil to meld together for a more vibrant taste.
What temperature should the oven be set to for toasting the bread?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long does it take to toast the baguette slices?
The baguette slices typically take about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Can I use a grill instead of an oven?
Yes, you can prepare a grill pan on medium heat to toast the baguette slices instead of using an oven.
How do I prepare the Serrano ham for the topping?
The Serrano ham should be torn into bite-sized pieces before being placed on top of the tomato mixture.
Is Pan con Tomate served warm or cold?
It is best served immediately while the toast is still warm and the tomato topping is fresh.
Can I substitute the Serrano ham?
While Serrano ham is traditional for this Spanish experience, you can use other cured meats or omit it for a vegetarian version.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 toasted slices, making it ideal for a light lunch or a group appetizer.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option because it uses fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and lean cured meat.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as Spanish tapas, an appetizer, or a snack.
How finely should the garlic be chopped?
The garlic should be finely chopped to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the tomato mixture without being overpowering.
Should I season the tomato mixture?
Yes, you should add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to the tomato and garlic mixture before refrigerating.
Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time, but it is best to toast the bread and assemble the slices right before serving to avoid sogginess.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A standard baguette is ideal as it provides the perfect size and crunch for the toppings.
Can I use a different type of tomato?
While any ripe tomato works, Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices for their flavor and texture.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Spoon the chilled tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette and top each with a piece of torn Serrano ham.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, it is perfect for gatherings as a quick and elegant Mediterranean-style appetizer.
What makes this dish authentic?
The combination of fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, quality olive oil, and Serrano ham on crusty bread is a staple of Spanish cuisine.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current raw data does not specify exact calorie or fat counts, but it is described as a healthy Mediterranean dish.
Can I rub garlic on the bread instead?
While this recipe calls for chopped garlic in the mixture, rubbing a raw clove on the toasted bread is another traditional method you can use.
How many slices of ham are needed?
The recipe calls for 5-6 slices of Serrano ham, which are then torn into smaller pieces.
Is the tomato mixture served hot?
No, the tomato mixture is chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
While not in the base recipe, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added if you desire a twist on the traditional flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, baguette, and Serrano ham.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread should be golden brown and crispy on both sides to support the moist tomato topping.
Where does the flavor profile of this dish originate?
The flavors are rooted in Mediterranean and Spanish culinary traditions, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients.