Appetizer > Spanish > Catalan

Pa amb Tomàquet with Manchego Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 oz of Manchego cheese, thinly sliced

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or toaster oven

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or toaster oven to medium-high heat.

2. Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices and brush both sides with olive oil.

3. Grill or toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

4. While the bread is toasting, cut the tomatoes in half and grate them on the large holes of a box grater, discarding the skin.

5. Peel and crush the garlic cloves and rub them over the toasted bread slices.

6. Spoon the grated tomato over the garlic-rubbed bread slices, spreading it evenly.

7. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomato-topped bread slices and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

8. Top each slice with a few slices of Manchego cheese.

9. Place the bread slices back on the grill or toaster oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or toaster oven: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any crusty bread can be used instead of a loaf.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese can be used instead of Manchego cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced serrano ham or prosciutto on top of the cheese for a more substantial meal.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder flavor.
- Add sliced avocado or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Don't skimp on the cheese - it's the star of the dish!
- Serve immediately to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Storage instructions:
- Pa amb Tomàquet with Manchego Cheese is best served fresh and warm.

Reheating instructions:
- If you have leftovers, reheat them in a toaster oven or under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Pa amb Tomàquet with Manchego Cheese on a wooden board or platter for a rustic look.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or grilled vegetables would be a great side dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is getting too crispy, lower the heat on the grill or toaster oven.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the tomatoes before grating them.

Food history:
- Pa amb Tomàquet is a traditional Catalan dish that dates back to the 19th century.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, garlicky, and cheesy with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a light lunch.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Aromatic, Creamy