I am trying to recreate a very simple Spanish tapa but it is so simple I can't find a recipe for it. The tapa is a fresh tomato and garlic...

Question

I am trying to recreate a very simple Spanish tapa but it is so simple I can't find a recipe for it.  The tapa is a fresh tomato and garlic spread.  The ingredients are only (I think) tomato, garlic and olive oil? Nothing in it is cooked.  It is not pa amb tomaquet/pan con tomate. The tomato is served in a bowl to be spread onto bread. I have had it many times and its so simple and delicious.  Thank You!

healthierkitchen · Answer

Have you checked out Jose Andres' recipes?  This might be like his pan con tomate "the modern way".  This is the best link I could find (and has ham on top which could be omitted), but it's in one of his cookbooks - A Taste of Spain.  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/10072615

Jon P. · Answer

I'd use the garlic sparingly unless you plan to roast it first. An anchovy filet would be a good way to build up some flavor. I'd also drop a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mix. A little warmth can have a considerable effect.

drbabs · Answer

Try roasting the garlic next time--you'll get a sweet nutty garlic flavor without the harshness.

KLL5 · Answer

Thanks for the replies! There is no lime or herbs in the version I am thinking of- but Donny your versions sound delish.  I made it and the fresh garlic was too strong. (I ate it all anyway.)

pierino · Answer

Like Italy, the cuisine of Spain is of its regions. I can't guess the specific tapa (or pintxo), but I'm also thinking (as it's a "spread") that possibly it has chopped anchovies in it---either white or cured. Anchovy is one of those flavors that runs silent and runs deep. Even complete anchovie haters can't identify it.

anyone · Answer

I don't have a recipe but at my favorite tapa's bar serves what sounds like the same thing and I would describe it as bruschetta with cilantro and lime. Or Picodllo with out the onion and a little olive oil. Very simple and tasty, I could eat it all day. Play with it a little I'm sure you can recreate. I would ty these ingredients. Chopped tomato, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

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