🥖 Pa amb oli from Formentera

Discover the authentic taste of Formentera with this traditional Pa amb oli recipe — rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and served with local cheese, peix sec, or sobrasada. Simple, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

🕒 Total time

10 minutes

👥 Serves

2 people

🌾 Ingredients

• 4 slices of rustic country bread (preferably from the previous day, dense crumb, thick crust)

• 2 ripe tomatoes (ideally tomate de ramallet, small and sweet)

• Extra virgin olive oil (local if possible, from Formentera or Ibiza)

• Sea salt, to taste

• Garlic (optional, 1 clove cut in half for rubbing)

🐟 Optional local toppings

• Peix sec (Formentera’s traditional dried fish)

• Cured goat or sheep cheese

• Sobrasada (Balearic spiced sausage) or Iberian ham

• Olives or roasted peppers

👩‍🍳 Preparation

1. Toast the bread
   Cut the country bread into thick slices and toast them lightly on a grill or in a toaster until golden but still soft inside.

2. (Optional) Rub with garlic
   If you enjoy the flavor, rub half a garlic clove over the warm toasted bread. This adds a rustic touch.

3. Rub with tomato
   Cut the tomatoes in half and rub them directly onto the bread, pressing so the pulp soaks into the crumb. The tomato skin should end up almost empty.

4. Add oil and salt
   Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.

5. Serve and enjoy
   Serve immediately with your chosen accompaniments — peix sec, local cheese, sobrasada, or ham. Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, and pair it with a glass of island wine.

💡 Tips & Variations

• The most authentic version uses round country bread and ramallet tomatoes, which keep for months.

• If you can’t find peix sec, you can use canned tuna or mackerel, though the flavor will be milder.

• Ideal as a breakfast, light lunch, or evening snack, especially in summer.