BREAD WITH TOMATO 0 (0)

by admin | Jun 13, 2020 | Moos tips inglés | 0 comments

There is a situation that is always repeated in bars and restaurants in Catalonia.

It begins with the order of the dishes or tapas to share, the waiter or waitress takes note of everything, and before leaving he asks the inevitable question: “And bread with tomato?”

And faced with such a simple question, there is always a simple answer: Yes!

You can never miss a serving of bread with tomato on Catalan tables, basically for two reasons: it is delicious and cheap!

Although today it is a dish that everyone enjoys, its origin is very humble. In fact, although some restaurants offer refined ways to taste it, the origin of “pa amb tomaquet” (well said in Catalan), was far from any refinement.

It is the Catalan “pages” (the peasant of these lands) who developed this idea, which is so popular today.

TWO CENTURIES BACK.

Imagine life in the country more than 200 years ago. Nobody thought of bread as an industrialized product like today, this will only come at the end of the 19th century.

In those years, bread was made once a week.

And not in a small bar. No, no. It was a very large loaf, intended to be consumed for days. And we all know what happens to the bread after a few days: it hardens and it is almost impossible to eat.

And this was something those who worked all day in the fields dealt with. In the afternoons, after many hours of effort, the “pagesos” would snack to be able to endure hunger until dinner time. And what did they have on hand?

Stale bread. Impossible to chew.

So they took the tomato, cut it in two and rubbed it against the slice of that bread. The tomato juices softened it and also gave it flavor. A fantastic solution, don’t you think?

That is why, thanks to a very basic need and the hunger of these people, a tradition is born that today is more alive than ever.

“PA AMB TOMAQUET” RECIPE

The best bread, the most typical to eat a good “pa amb tomaquet”, is the “Pagés” bread. That very rustic looking bread, generated from sourdough, which is cut into large slices and toasted.

The tomato is rubbed on each toasted slice: ideally it should be a “penjar” tomato (those are tomatoes hanging), characterized by having a soft pulp that well impregnates the bread when scrubbing.

Then comes the salt and, finally, the olive oil in good quantity, overflowing that bread and giving the perfect final touch.

And those who have been in Spain know that olive oil is a guarantee of unbeatable flavor and aroma.

A clarification: it may happen that in some bars they bring you the ingredients so that you “self-manage” your tomato bread. Among the ingredients, you will also find garlic. If you like it, it’s just a matter of peeling it and rubbing the clove against the bread, before the tomato.

A tip: just a little, do not get too excited about garlic, because it can be very strong and cover the flavors of tomato and oil, the main protagonists of this delicacy.

And now, dig in! What is it delicious?

Easy to make, tasty and with simple ingredients. In other words, the perfect formula for “pa amb tomaquet” to be a success, and that is why it will continue to be enjoyed for much longer.

Imagen portada: Tombpelcatala

THE FUET 4 (1)

by admin | Jun 13, 2020 | Moos tips inglés | 0 comments

The origin of the fuet can be traced back to almost 5000 years ago. The Iberians, the first inhabitants of these lands, used the fermentation technique together with the drying of the meat, but the Romans will be its great consumers. And the popular “lucanica”, the Latin name that defined it at that time, will be the one that will give its name to the Catalan “llonganissa”, elder sister of fuet.

Born in Catalonia, the meaning of the word “fuet” is “whip”, that rod or rope tied to a handle to hit horses or mules. But it is also the name of this famous and typical Catalan cured sausage, whose slim and elongated shape (a thickness of between 1 and 2 fingers), is distantly reminiscent of the shape of a whip.

HOW IS THE FUET MADE?

It all starts with lean pork, chopped more or less fine, which is then marinated with salt and black pepper. Subsequently, it is stuffed into a thin casing and cured. The maturation time ranges from 3 weeks to one month.

If there is something that distinguishes the fuet it is that natural white skin that covers it; and it occurs as a result of the fermentation process. Thanks to which fungi are generated that help improve the final flavor.

Now comes the big question: do you eat with or without skin?

And the answer would be: It depends.

Of what? Basically, depends on the origin of the casing in which the meat is stuffed. If it is natural, that is, the tripe of the meat itself, it can be eaten without problem.

It would not be so recommended if the casing is synthetic, which is quite common in industrial production fuets.

THE FUET IS UNIQUE.

Yes, it is true, its flavor is unique, but there are many varieties, and this has to do with the microclimate where the fuet takes place.

Mountain ones, for example, are drier. Those in low or more humid areas (such as the famous one in Vic) have the mold that we mentioned earlier.

But regardless of their precedence, the best will be artisanal, always.

They can be obtained in “cansaladerías”, delicatessen or butchers. Without additives, only meat, salt and pepper. No more is needed to make a great fuet.

Now, if you have already made yourself with a fuet, always remember the following: it is never stored in the fridge.

The ideal is to keep it hanging in a cool and airy place, especially if it is handmade. And when consumed, it must be cut on the bias (diagonally). Some make it very thin, others thicker than “longaniza” (a long pork sausage), but it is always very well accompanied by bread or “bread with tomato” and even in sandwiches.

Now yes, it is time to eat it. So … “Bon profit”!