La Tomatino is an annual event, hosted in the town of Bunol, Spain. Located just inward of the Mediterranean Sea, this is the site of the world’s largest food fight every year. On the last Wednesday in August every year the normally docile citizens and tourists of this sunny little town turn into tomato-slinging savages. For the week leading up to the “battala” many festivities take place that culminate in the final celebration where the festival-goers literally paint the town red, with tomatoes. In honor of this lively Spanish festival, we have decided to prepare a traditional Spanish dish that highlights the star of the food fight, the tomato. In Spain, tomato sauce is called “sofrito”, it is used as a base for sauces, soups, paella, and used to coat fish and slow-cooked meats like pork roast. Sofrito is also used as a condiment in place of ketchup and is a flavorful addition when served as a sauce with eggs or omelettes. Traditionally sofrito is made in batches and stored in glass jars, either in the refrigerator (up to one week) or the freezer for longer.
Spanish Sofrito
Ingredients: Spanish olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 1 red pepper, 1 clove garlic, 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika,and Salt and pepper to taste. Options: For a more Mediterranean flavor, add kalamata olives and capers; for a more Latin American flavor, add cilantro and chorizo.
Directions: 1. Chop onion, red pepper, and garlic into small pieces 2. Coat bottom of heavy skillet with olive oil. 3. Saute onion until transparent; add red pepper cook until soft. 4. Add garlic and cook until browned and fragrant. 5. Add a can of tomatoes and bring up heat; then simmer for 15 minutes. 6. Add seasoning to taste while simmering. 7. Let cool. Then blend in a food processor or blender until a jam like consistency. Sofritois now ready to be frozen, stored, or used. We like sofrito served with leftover rice and a fried egg on top (as shown). Simple and satisfying, this is traditional Spanish comfort food at its best. Serve in our stoneware dishes on a Feed Sack Table Runner. You can learn more about the festival here.
