Spanish Cuisine

Spanish Garlic Toast Recipe – Spanish Special

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Spanish Garlic Toast Recipe – Spanish Special

Spanish Garlic Toast, or Pan con Ajo, is a traditional Spanish tapa that showcases the simplicity and bold flavors of Spanish cuisine. Made by toasting slices of rustic bread and rubbing them with raw garlic, this dish is then drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with a pinch of salt. For added flavor, some variations include rubbing ripe tomatoes onto the bread before the garlic. This easy-to-make snack is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or accompaniment to soups and grilled meats.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time5 min
  • Total Time15 min

Spanish Garlic Toast Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette or rustic Spanish bread, sliced
  • 1–2 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved
  • 1–2 ripe tomatoes (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt, to taste

Toast the Bread:

1

Lightly toast the bread slices on a grill pan, in the oven, or in a toaster until golden and crisp.

Rub with Garlic:

2

While the toast is still hot, rub the cut side of the garlic clove directly onto the surface of the toast.

Optional Tomato Rub:

3

Cut the tomato in half and rub the cut side over the garlic-rubbed toast, allowing the juices and pulp to absorb into the bread.

Drizzle & Season:

4

Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes :

Bread Choice: Opt for a crusty, rustic loaf such as a baguette, ciabatta, or traditional Spanish barra to achieve the best texture.

Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic beforehand or using less pressure when rubbing it onto the bread.

Tomato Tip: If adding tomato, use super ripe tomatoes to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor. In Spain, this variation is often called Pan con Tomate.

Serving Idea: Enhance the dish by topping with jamón (Spanish cured ham), anchovies, or slices of Manchego cheese for a more elaborate tapa.

Storage: While best enjoyed fresh, toasted bread can be prepared ahead of time. Rub the garlic and add tomato just before serving to maintain optimal flavor.

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