Pa amb oli typical of Mallorca
Pa amb oli (or Pamboli) is one of the most common and frequent typical dishes in Mallorca. In fact, a study carried out by the Institut de Qualitat Alimentaria (IQUA) -in collaboration with El Corte Inglés and Oli de Mallorca on the consumption habits of this simple and popular dish- revealed that 76% of the island’s residents include pa amb oli in their weekly diet.
Pa amb oli is a typical dish of the island and is deeply rooted in our gastronomic culture. Indeed, it is a simple but tasty dish, consisting of a slice of ‘pagés’ bread (peasant bread) -a type of bread with a thick crust and a spongy crumb. Its name, which means “peasant bread” in Catalan, reflects its rural origins- spread with tomato, olive oil and, optionally, garlic and salt. Pa amb oli is unmistakably a widespread symbol of the island’s gastronomy.
Origins of pa amb oli
Pa amb oli, or bread with oil, is an emblematic dish of Mallorcan cuisine that has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Its origin is intrinsically linked to the basis of traditional Mallorcan gastronomy, where the ingredients offered by the land in each locality are consumed.
The origin of this dish, which has remained a classic of island gastronomy for centuries, passed down from generation to generation, is also indirectly linked to the tradition of seasoning bread with olive oil – a key product of the island – and to the need for a quick and nutritious food to take to work and eat in the working conditions in the fields.
A child of hardship, precariousness and scarcity, pa amb oli is directly associated with the need to preserve and reuse food. Everything seems to indicate that it arose from the imperative need to make the most of stale or dry bread, using olive oil and, on certain occasions, tomatoes, to soften it and give it new flavour.
Pa amb oli (bread with olive oil)
Olive oil from Mallorca has historically been very important and recognised for its quality. It has even been used as a bargaining chip. Pa amb oli translates from Catalan as “bread with olive oil“. Just like that. In other words, in a strict and literal sense, this simple delicacy refers exclusively to bread and olive oil. The tomato with which we usually accompany it today would be added much later.
The first reference to panboli is documented in the 17th century in the recipe book ‘Modo de cuynar a la mallorquina’ by the Mallorcan friar Jaume Josep Bernat Martí i Oliver (a scholar of Balearic cuisine). It refers to this snack seasoned exclusively with olive oil… but without tomato.
From Wikipedia
Pa amb oli amb tomàtiga (bread with olive oil and tomato)
The recipe for this dish has evolved over time, incorporating local ingredients such as Ramallet tomatoes (a small, juicy Mallorcan variety of tomato, ideal for spreading) and garlic. Other ingredients such as Serrano ham, Mahon cheese, camaiot, smoked cod, samphire or olives are also often added, depending on preference. Although the base is the same, there are several variations in the way pa amb oli is prepared, such as the type of bread, the type of tomato and the additional ingredients that are added.
In this sense, it could be said that bread with olive oil or pa amb oli is the natural predecessor of what we know today as bread with oil and tomato. In keeping with tradition, we must admit that in the villages of Mallorca the elders still differentiate between pa amb oli and pa amb oli amb tomàtiga, which is the variant with tomato and garlic.
In short, pa amb oli is much more than just a dish; it is a symbol of Mallorcan culinary culture, with a history that goes back to ancient times and which is kept alive thanks to its simplicity and flavour.
Pa amb oli recipe
Main ingredients:
Country bread: Majorcan bread (El Pa de Pagès or peasant bread), preferably brown or white.
Extra virgin olive oil: Good quality olive oil is essential for the flavour of pa amb oli.
Tomate de ramillete: (Tomàtiga de ramallet, typical of Mallorca) a fresh, ripe tomato.
Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
Garlic: Optional, but traditionally a little grated or crushed fresh garlic is added.
Other ingredients: Serrano ham, Mahonese cheese, sobrasada, anchovies, or sausages of your choice.
Preparation
Spread the tomato bouquet garni on the bread. Pour a generous dash of extra virgin olive oil and salt. That’s it. You can then add additional ingredients such as garlic (es pot fregar amb all), ham, cheese, sobrassada, etc., always to taste.
Pa amb oli in popular culture
Pa amb oli has inspired music and literature, such as the song “Volem pa amb oli” and the book of the same name by Tomás Graves. In short, pa amb oli is much more than a food; it is a symbol of Mallorcan culture, a dish that brings people together and celebrates the simplicity and authentic flavours of the island. The simplicity of the recipe and its ingredients make it accessible to everyone, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish with ease. Curious fact: In Mallorca there is a Pa Amb Oli Route: You can follow the Pa Amb Oli route in Palma, visiting different bars and restaurants that offer this dish…
Where can you taste a good pa amb oli in Mallorca?
This is a very popular dish in Mallorca, both among locals and tourists. You can find pa amb oli in bars and restaurants all over the island. In Palma, you can find many restaurants and bars that offer Pa Amb Oli, with different variations, of course.
By the way, are you coming to Mallorca on a holiday trip? If you find it helpful, you can also consult our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island.
