Spanish Tomato and Garlic On Toast (Pan Tumaca Recipe)
Crispy sourdough toast topped with fresh, grated tomatoes, rubbed with garlic, and finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. It’s a filling, flavourful, and nutritious Spanish breakfast that’s simple to make yet deeply satisfying.
This Spanish tomato toast is something I’ve made for breakfast here in Spain for years. Traditionally known as pan tumaca or pan con tomate, it’s a simple combination of toasted bread, tomato, garlic, olive oil, and salt. The same everyday ingredients you’ll find in many of my Spanish-style recipes, like Poor Man`s Eggplant recipe or Sweet Paprika Spanish-Style Stuffed Eggplants.
In Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands (Menorca), where I have lived for 30 years, the usual method is to cut the tomato in half and rub it directly onto the bread, often drizzling the olive oil first. The correct name is Pa amb Tomàquet.
My version is slightly different. I prefer a stronger tomato flavour and a less soggy base, so I grate the tomatoes and add the olive oil at the end. It’s eaten straight away, while the toast is still hot and crisp, and the tomato tastes fresh.
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🔍Recipe at a Glance
- 🌍Cuisine – Mediterranean, Spanish
- 🕒 Ready In – 5 minutes
- 👩Serves – 2
- 🔪Equipment Needed – Toaster
- 🥘Cook Method – Grill, toaster
- 🛒 Main Ingredients – Bread, tomato, garlic, olive oil
- 📖 Dietary Notes – Vegan, soy-free, nut-free,
- 📊Skill Level – Easy, beginner level
- 👌Perfect for – Breakfast, snacks
❤️ Why our Readers love this
You’ll love this pan tumaca-style tomato toast because there’s no soggy bread and no oil soaked into the toast. Instead of drizzling olive oil first, the grated tomato is scooped on the bread while it is hot, then finished with olive oil at the end. This simple change stops the bread from absorbing too much oil and keeps the toast crispy. It’s an easy classic breakfast or Spanish tapa.
Pan Tumaca Ingredient Notes
Please see the RECIPE CARD at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements, along with a printable recipe.
Fresh Heirloom or iron-branch tomatoes – 2-3 large ripe tomatoes. Depending on the season, these two types of tomatoes are always juicy.
Sourdough Bread – A couple of slices of rustic village bread ( pan the pueblo). This bread remains crispy even with wet toppings.
Garlic Cloves – Cut in half to rub on the bread, or pressed in a garlic bread and added if you like that strong garlic flavor, like me.
Cold-pressed virgin extra olive oil – Give the finished toast a drizzle with this Mediterranean gold, nutritious liquid.
What bread is used in Pan Tumaca?
Usually, ciabatta is the best choice and a classic Catalan preference. A baguette is also often served in bars and is very crunchy. Cristal bread (pan de cristal) is another popular option. I`ve settled with Pan de Pueblo, an organic, crusty village sourdough loaf.
Let`s Make Crispy Pan Tumaca Recipe
- I got the bakery to slice the bread, so I just needed to pop the slices in the toaster.
- Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half. Grate them, being careful not to cut your fingers on the grater.
- Peel one or two garlic cloves and cut them in half.
- Rub the toast with the garlic.
- Scoop on the grated tomato.
- Sprinkle the tomato bread with salt.
- Drizzle over the olive oil
- Eat it immediately. This isn’t a recipe that waits around.
Pro Tip
Toast the bread until well browned. If your bread is too thin or soft, it will soak quickly. Sturdy sourdough works best.
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Recipe Card and Notes
Spanish Tomato and Garlic On Toast (Pan Tumaca Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Slices of organic sourdough village bread Pan del pueblo
- 2-3 fresh Heirloom or iron-branch ripe tomatoes f Depending on the season, these two types of tomatoes are always juicy.
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves Peeled and chopped in halves.
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 2 – 3 tablespoons of cold pressed irgin olive oil
Watch me Make it (Video)
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half. Grate them, being careful not to cut your fingers on the grater.
- Peel one or two garlic cloves and cut them in half.
- Either rub the halved clove on the bread or chop it finely for more flavor.
- Scoop on the grated tomato.
- Sprinkle the tomato bread with salt.
- Drizzle over the olive oil.
- Eat it immediately. This isn’t a recipe that waits around.
Notes & Suggestions
Nutrition Profile
The nutritional information is an estimate, calculated automatically per serving, with all values, including calories, based on one serving.
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One of my favorites
Yes it`s simple and tasty1