3. Serrano Ham with Crusty Tomato Bread:
For this classic tapas morsel, sweet and garlicky tomato spread is the perfect companion for thin slices of salty, dry-cured Spanish ham. Plum tomatoes are called for because they contain less water and therefore have a more intense flavor when they are slow-roasted.
Ingredients
- 2 plum tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons garlic oil, (see Note), divided
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 whole-grain baguette, cut into 24 slices, or 12 pieces whole-grain bread, cut in half
- 6 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham, (about 24 slices; see Note)
Directions
- To prepare tomatoes: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each half with some oil, some oregano and salt. Roast for 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop the tomatoes and transfer (with juices) to a serving bowl.
- To serve tapas: Shortly before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place bread on a baking sheet and brush with some of the remaining garlic oil. Bake until slightly crispy, but not hard, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. To serve, arrange the bread on a large platter with ham and the bowl of tomato mixture for spreading.
Notes: Serrano ham is full-flavored, savory dry-cured ham made from specific breeds of white pigs. Find it in well-stocked supermarkets, specialty stores or online at tienda.com.
