Pane e Pomodoro: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

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This is one of the simplest yet most delicious recipes you can find in Southern Italian rustic cuisine.
We're not really sure where it came from, but it's definitely from after the 1500s, when tomatoes arrived in Spain from the Americas. 

Pane e Pomodoro, which translates to "bread and tomatoes," is now considered the best comfort food in the kitchens of Apulian grandmothers.

In my house, we used to enjoy Pane e Pomodoro as a snack on summer afternoons. I still remember the crisp fragrance of the slice of bread, the rich taste of olive oil accompanied by light salty notes, and the sweet yet sour and savoury flavour of tomatoes. 

It's a mix of flavours and contrasts that will win you over at first bite.

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My childhood is closely tied to the smells and tastes of my land and the Mediterranean cuisine I grew up with.

Every time I cook, the smells of my regional culinary tradition bring back memories of my childhood.

One smell in particular reminds me of warm summer afternoons at my grandparents' house: cherry tomatoes spread on bread with salt, oregano, and olive oil. My grandmother made this snack for me and my sisters before we went to the park to play.

It has a unique, fresh, fragrant, and savory flavor and is packed with nutrients from the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and oil.

Why is it healthy?

Low in calories: it is a light mix with a low calorie intake (especially thanks to the cherry tomatoes and wheat bread)

Rich in antioxidants: The cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano contain powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene and polyphenols, which help protect the body from free radical damage.

Source of fiber: Wheat bread and cherry tomatoes provide a good amount of fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

Heart benefits: Extra virgin olive oil, rich in healthy fats, contributes to cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Properties of oregano: Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties due to its essential oils. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A and K, which support skin and bone health, and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.