Welcome to a culinary journey through the heart of Mallorca, an island where the cuisine is as rich and varied as its landscape. Today we are going to immerse ourselves in one of the most emblematic and beloved dishes of Mallorcan cuisine: the 'Pa amb oli'.
This dish, whose simplicity and authenticity have made it a true icon of the island, is a testament to Mallorca's love for good ingredients, tradition, and of course, good eating. So get ready to discover the secrets of 'Pa amb oli', a taste of Mallorca that will captivate you from the first bite.
The Pa amb oli of Mallorca: A Key Piece of Balearic Cuisine
Mallorcan cuisine is a reflection of its surroundings, a perfect fusion between land and sea, combining traditional flavors with influences from other Mediterranean cultures. Among the island's most emblematic dishes, we find the 'Arrós brut', a rice dish cooked with different types of meat; the 'Tumbet', a sort of ratatouille with potatoes, eggplants and red peppers; and the famous empanadas. However, no dish is more representative of Mallorca than the 'Pa amb oli'.
The 'Pa amb oli', which literally means "bread with oil" in Mallorquin, is a simple recipe but full of flavor and tradition. Its origin dates back to time immemorial, when Mallorcan peasants were looking for an easy-to-prepare and nutritious meal to take to the fields. Over time, the 'Pa amb oli' has become a symbol of Mallorcan identity, a dish that is enjoyed both at home and in the bars and restaurants of the island.
The 'Pa amb oli' is much more than just a sandwich. It is a slice of rustic bread, preferably the typical brown bread of Mallorca, that is spread with garlic and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. To this is added a slice of ripe tomato and, depending on taste, it can be complemented with Serrano ham, Mahón cheese, anchovies or sobrasada. If you want to discover how to make this dish, we will tell you step by step in the following lines.
How to Make Authentic Pa amb oli from Mallorca
Although it is a very simple recipe with many variants, here we present a basic and traditional recipe for Mallorca's 'Pa amb oli':
Ingredients
- 2 slices of rustic country bread
- Extra virgin olive oil D.O.
- 1 ramallet tomato
- Cheese, ham or other cold cuts to taste
- Salt to taste
Preparation
1.Cut the bread in half with a large knife and toast the slices. In Mallorca, they usually use special pans to toast the bread, but you can do it in a toaster or in the oven.
2.Once toasted, rub a clove of garlic (optional) over the surface of the bread to give it a touch of flavor.
3.Cut the ramallet tomato in half and rub one of the halves on the bread until it is well impregnated.
4.Drizzle a generous stream of extra virgin olive oil over the bread.
5.Add a couple of pinches of salt to taste.
6.Finally, add the cheese, ham or other cold cuts to taste.
How to Enjoy Pa amb oli from Mallorca
What makes 'Pa amb oli' special is not only its taste, but also the way it is eaten. In Mallorca, 'Pa amb oli' is enjoyed at any time of the day, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply as a snack. It is usually served with a glass of wine or a jug of beer, and shared in good company, whether on a terrace under the sun or in a cozy village bar.
At Hotels VIVA, we offer a very varied gastronomic offer full of local products with which you can experience the gastronomic richness of the island. Therefore, if you plan to spend a few days on the island, we invite you to discover our facilities where we have all the services you need to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
But beyond its taste and tradition, 'Pa amb oli' is also a reflection of Mallorcan philosophy. It's a dish that celebrates the simplicity and quality of local products, values tradition and authenticity, and invites you to enjoy the pleasures of life calmly and unhurriedly. Just like Mallorca, 'Pa amb oli' is a tribute to Mediterranean life, its light, its joy, and its flavor. So if you're going to visit our wonderful island, don't miss out on trying 'Pa amb oli'. We assure you that it will not disappoint.
