Spain

Tomato Paste and Ham Sandwiches (Pan Tomaca)

Serves 4

Allergens named in the ingredients: Gluten. Flags come from what shops, restaurants and cooks list and from the ingredient names. Always check the label. This is not medical advice.

Ingredients

Pa de pagès (Catalan bread) or 1 loaf French bread, sliced
2 ripe red tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt
120 g (¼ lb) sliced cured ham

Method

Toast the slices of pa de pagès. If desired, rub garlic on each slice of bread.
Cut the tomatoes in half, and rub the tomato flesh over the surface of the bread until most of the pulp is gone.
Sprinkle with olive oil and a bit of salt, then place a slice of cured ham on top.
Either top each slice with a second slice of bread to make a sandwich, or leave as an open-faced slice.
Peel the tomatoes, removing the seeds if desired.
Use an immersion blender to blend the tomatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, and salt to taste in an appropriate vessel with an immersion blender.
If desired, toast the bread slices very lightly.
Spread the tomato mixture on one slice of bread, drizzle with olive oil, and top with a slice of cured ham. Repeat with remaining bread slices.
Either top each slice with a second slice of bread to make a sandwich, or leave as an open-faced slice.