by Gary / 0 comments - Orginally published:27th September 2017

My perfect Spanish breakfast

I can remember when and where I first had this. The Cafetería Lisboa Granada, 30th September 2014. Now, I know that sounds rather geeky, but I have the photos from that road trip to Spain, and well, I know when we were in Granada.

Since then, it's been a firm favourite, both in Spain and at home. I have had a few variations, but I will provide you with my version.

I like to prepare it fresh, making enough for two generous portions.

The Pin image for our post - 'My Pan Con Tomate
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A taste of Spain

The simplest of recipes
As always, I'll provide the measurements in imperial U.K./US and metric.
  •  100 grams of tomatoes per portion, preferably Spanish, finely chopped
  • A good glug of Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil - say a tablespoon if you're looking for a measurement.
  • A pinch of sea salt.
  • A slice of rustic bread - ideally a pan de cristal, but a ciabatta will do
The basic ingredients for a Pan con Tomate, a salt pig filled with Maldon sea salt, a jug full of olive oil, a paper bag full of cherry tomates and some serrano ham wrapped in brown paper on a wooden chopping board.
The basic ingredients
As you can probably guess, use the best ingredients you can get.

Inspired to check our more of Spain?

We have completed three road trips through Spain, and a couple of city breaks to Valencia & Barcelona.

If you are interested in a trip to the less touristy parts of Spain, why not check out our posts?

A traditional Spanish breakfast

The simplest of preparations

Finely chop the tomatoes by hand. I know it may appear easier to do this in a food processor, but I don't. A food processor will blitz the pips, add air, and make the mixture turn a little pink. I suppose some may say skin the tomatoes, but life's too short.

Another method would be to use a good heritage beef tomato and grate it. This produceshave a smoother texture, but I prefer the slightly more rustic feel.

Roughly chopped cherry tomatoes on a chopping board against the edge of a sharp knife.
Chopped tomatoes

Add your glug of Spanish extra virgin oil and add a pinch of salt. As I mentioned, use the best you can, because it's reflected in the flavour.

I like to make a double batch and keep it in the fridge.
You should let it come to room temperature before serving it, as the olive oil may solidify slightly.

Toast your bread of choice; I like a nice ciabatta with large spaces to soak up the tomato mixture.

From our Spanish travels

Variations
Firstly, on all the menus I've seen, you can also have it served with a slice of Serrano ham, or you can go for the ultimate quality and go Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. And why not?
Two slices of split ciabatta bread with a layer of the tomato mixture, topped with Serrano ham.
The dish, my perfect Spanish breakfast
You can also add flavoured oil; why not try garlic, basil or a little bit of chilli?

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We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.

Spain on a plate

So does it work?
For me, it just needs a glass of freshly squeezed zumo de naranja, a café con leche, and a good dose of sun. Give me that, and I'm transported back to the start of one of the finest days in Spain.
The chopped tomatoes, olive oil and sea salt all in a clip top glass jar.
The mixture

Have You?

Tried this whilst in Spain? Or have you brought back you own memories of your travels to your breakfast table? What can take you back to a favourite holiday?

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