Grilled Tomato & Garlic Bread a la Catalana

Lately I seem to be indulging in a lot recipes that originate in or are inspired from my trips to Spain. This very simple recipe is one that I make often when I am grilling and it surprises people just how delicious it actually is. The recipe is from the region of Catalonia in Spain.  If you happen to visit Barcelona, you'd probably be apt to find it there - it is quite popular.  This recipe takes the simplest of ingredients, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and bread to absolutely delicious and it's very addicting too! Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Next time you grill, try this recipe, I promise you will not be disappointed!

1 loaf of ciabatta, French or if you can find it Spanish bread. Cut in half length wise so that you have the top and bottom of the bread in two big slices, and then cut in quarters.
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and one end cut off
2 large tomatoes
Olive oil, preferably Spanish
Salt - Kosher
Pepper

• Heat your grill to high heat.  Grill each side, avoid burning, just a little char and a few grill marks will do.**
• Rub the garlic over the inside of the bread
• Rub the tomato over the inside of the bread
• Drizzle with olive oil
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Aside from serving it with grilled chicken, steak etc., I love to serve it with a board of serrano ham (a dry-cured Spanish ham), manchego cheese and paper thin slices of Spanish chorizo and, of course, a glass or two or three of red Spanish wine. Enjoy!

**Notes:  You can also toast the bread in the oven or on a grill pan.