Catalan Tomato Bread

Here is my favorite version of Catalan tomato-rubbed bread, based on the pa amb tomàquet at Paco Meralgo, a modern tapas bar in Barcelona famous for the dish. Choose a baguette that’s dense, chewy, and not too skinny, rather than a fluffy and crusty one. Or use half-inch-thick slices from a round loaf of country bread. (Sourdough is not very Catalan but is delicious.) Serve the bread as a tapa, either on its own or topped with an anchovy, cheese, or cured ham. It’s also wonder