Literally translating as “bread with tomato” in Catalán, pa amb tomàquet is a beloved traditional dish hailing from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. I was introduced to this delicacy straight from the source, my friend from Spain who had the initiative to start a book club. Our first meeting was the stage for a delicious light summer dinner that allowed us to chat it up, with the star of the show being pa amb tomàquet. Whether you’re indulging in pa amb tomàquet in a bustlng tapas bar in Barcelona or recreating it at home, this iconic Catalán dish invites you to savor the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrate the beauty of simplicity, and experience the rich tapestry of flavors that define the culinary heritage of Catalonia.

To make pa amb tomàquet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• crusty bread, such as a baguette or rustic bread loaf
• ripe tomatoes
• garlic
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt
• jamón serrano (optional)

Start by slicing the bread into thick slices, around 1/2 to 1 inch thick. You can toast the bread if desired, but it’s traditionally served untoasted. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub it on the bread slices before applying the tomato. This step adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish, just the right kick in my opinion! Cut the ripe tomatoes in half. Take one half and rub it on the bread slices, applying pressure to squeeze the pulp and juice onto the bread. The bread should absorb the tomato juice.

Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tomato-soaked bread slices. The olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors. You can sprinkle a little salt over the bread slices for added seasoning. Arrange the pa amb tomàquet on a platter and serve it as a tapa or alongside other dishes. It can be enjoyed as is or topped with additional ingredients, like the delicious jamón serrano seen in the picture.

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I joined a book club recently with friends and I must sadly admit I was not the best at keeping up with the book we choose to read this month, the #1 New York Times Bestseller & a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The rather very good reason for that being the other great book I ran across that hooked me instantly and stole away my time & my heart: Noemí Casquet’s Éxtasis, a novel said to contain information that could revolutionize the power of your pleasure, a novel to discover the power of ecstasy. Needless to say, I loved it! And couldn’t put it down! I, therefore, arrived to my book club monthly get together having read only about 4% of the assigned book, but with the best recommendation for our next one!

The idea of starting our own book club was actually my Spanish friend’s. Which is why she enthusiastically arrived to our first monthly meeting with a fresh loaf of home-baked sourdough bread, tomatoes, garlic, and a package of Spain’s best jamón serrano straight from the source, home…oh, and of course, only the best Spanish wine! She taught us how to prepare the pa amb tomàquet, simply the most delightfully perfect evening meal to discuss our book & the harsh topics that it touches, bringing a group of friends even closer by forcing us to engage in conversations we would never really have on a regular Wednesday evening. I loved it!

My friend comes from Barcelona, and pa amb tomàquet is not only a popular dish in the region, but it has become an iconic symbol of Catalan identity. It is deeply ingrained in Catalan culture and is considered a culinary tradition that reflect the region´s love for simplicity, quality ingredients, and rustic flavors. In fact, pa am tomàquet holds such significance in Catalonia that is has been proposed as a candidate for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This recognition would highlight the cultural importance of the dish and its role in preserving Catalan traditions.

The beauty of pa am tomàquet lies in its simplicity, as it showcases the flavors of ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and bread. It has become a staple at family gathering, picnics, and traditional celebrations, emphasizing the importance of communal dining and the appreciation of local ingredients. So, I invite you to try pa am tomàquet and enjoy it knowing it represents more than just a delicious dish – it carried the essence of Catalan heritage and cultural identity in such a simple & beautiful way.