As someone who used to go big with breakfast back home, I never thought something this simple could win me over. When I moved to Spain and discovered that most people start their mornings with just a slice of toasted bread, grated tomato, and a drizzle of olive oil, I began to see the beauty in simplicity. Meet the tostada (toast), or pan con tomate as it’s called in Spain. It’s Spain’s iconic 3-ingredient breakfast that proves simple can be extraordinary. Now, I find myself craving it too. Quick, comforting, and delicious, in just five minutes, you can bring a taste of Spain to your kitchen. 🍅 Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients (serves 1–2):
- 1–2 slices of good-quality bread (rustic, country, or sourdough works best)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
How to Make:
- Toast the bread – Start by toasting 1–2 slices of good-quality bread until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the tomato – While the bread is toasting, cut a ripe tomato in half and grate it using a box grater, or mash it with a fork.
- Drizzle with olive oil – Drizzling olive oil directly on the bread makes it soak in and gives more intense flavour.
- Assemble – Spread the grated tomato on the toast and add a pinch of sea salt
Because I still can’t help myself, I’ve explored a few extra flavors and toppings. When you feel comfortable, you can experiment too:
Optional toppings / extra flavors:
- sliced avocado,
- boiled or fried egg,
- smoked salmon,
- olives,
- fresh herb (like basil or parsley)
To add a rich, savory flavor to every bite, top your toast with some Spanish jamón, a beloved and iconic Spanish delicacy. My favourite touch is heating up a garlic clove with a little olive oil and spreading it on the bread before adding the tomato. It’s such a simple way to make it extra tasty! 👌
What I love about a Spanish tostada is that it’s simple and nourishing. The crispy bread, juicy tomato, and olive oil give you a little boost of energy without weighing you down. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor. Healthy, yet still feels like a little morning treat you look forward to.
💌 My note for this recipe: To make it even more special, pair it with a glass of fresh orange juice and a steaming café con leche – the perfect combination to start your day, Spanish style.
