January 15, 2010

Serrano Ham with Crusty Tomato Bread


12 plum tomatoes
4 tablespoons garlic oil (see Ingredient 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 Ingredient Note)
Directions

To prepare tomatoes: Preheat oven to 300°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 1/8 teaspoon garlic oil and some oregano and salt. Roast for 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop tomatoes and transfer (with juices) to a serving bowl.

To assemble tapas: Shortly before serving, preheat oven to 350°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 Serrano ham and the bowl of tomato mixture for spreading.

Ingredient note: Garlic oil is oil that has been infused with fresh garlic. We like to use it for salad dressings, as dipping oil with crusty bread, in marinades or to simply drizzle over steamed vegetables. Find it at well-stocked supermarkets or at boyajianinc.com.Serrano ham is full-flavored, savory dry-cured ham made from specific breeds of white pigs. It is traditionally enjoyed very thinly sliced, like its Italian cousin prosciutto. Find it in well-stocked supermarkets, specialty stores or online at tienda.com.

courtesy of food network and eating well

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