A. Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread) – The Quintessential Catalan Starter

This simple yet delicious dish is a staple in every Catalan home and restaurant.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of crusty bread (ciabatta or country-style)
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread until golden and crispy.
2. Cut the tomato in half and rub it directly onto the bread.
3. Rub the garlic clove lightly over the tomato-soaked bread for extra flavor.
4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside tapas!

Tip: Pair it with jamón ibérico or Manchego cheese for an authentic touch.

B. Catalan Seafood Paella – A Taste of the Mediterranean

A flavorful one-pan dish filled with fresh seafood and saffron-infused rice.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 cups bomba or arborio rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ripe tomato, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
• 4 cups seafood broth
• 12 mussels, cleaned
• 8 shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 lb squid, sliced
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then add the grated tomato and red pepper.
3. Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron-infused water, coating the grains.
4. Pour in the seafood broth and simmer without stirring for about 15 minutes.
5. Add the mussels, shrimp, and squid on top of the rice, cooking until the mussels open and the shrimp turns pink.
6. Let the paella rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.

Tip: For the perfect crispy socarrat (caramelized rice layer), cook on high heat for the last 2 minutes without stirring!