Pan con Tomate with Calabrian Chilis

Author: Madly Delicious

This Pan con Tomate with Calabrian Chilis is my spicy twist on the classic Spanish tapas dish. Crusty grilled bread is rubbed with garlic and topped with a bright, savory tomato mixture that gets a smoky kick from jarred Calabrian chilis. Finished with lemon zest, flaked salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, it's simple, bold, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

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Prep Time 6

Cook Time 8

Total Time 14

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Spanish-Inspired

Servings

Equipment

Box grater

Ingredients

4-6 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough). Cut from a fresh loaf if you can.
Olive oil (for brushing and drizzling)
3 large Roma tomatoes
1 tbsp jarred Calabrian chilis (or more to taste)
Salt, to taste
Drizzle of olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved width wise
1 lemon, for zest
Flaked sea salt, for topping

Instructions

Prep the Bread: Slice 4–6 slices of crusty bread and brush both sides with olive oil. Toast on a grill, skillet, or flat-top until golden and crisp on both sides. 3-4 minutes per side on medium.
Grate the Tomatoes: Slice 3 Roma tomatoes in half widthwise. Using a box grater, grate the cut side of each tomato until only the skin remains. Discard the skins.
Make the Tomato Mixture: To the grated tomato pulp, add a big glug of olive oil, 1 tbsp Calabrian chilis (or more if desired), and salt to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Rub the Bread with Garlic: While the bread is still warm, rub the surface with the cut sides of the garlic cloves.
Assemble: Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice of toasted bread. Finish with lemon zest, a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, and a small drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Bread

Use a hearty, rustic bread like sourdough or a country loaf — something that toasts up well and holds its texture. Day-old bread works great here.

Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are ideal for their lower moisture content, but any ripe, in-season tomato will work. The flavor of the tomatoes really shines in this dish.

Calabrian chilis

These add a smoky, spicy depth without overpowering the tomato. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Serving tip

Best enjoyed right after assembling so the bread stays crisp and the tomato mixture stays vibrant.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.5gSodium: 260mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg

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