Cim i tomba is the signature dish of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava. It originated on the village’s fishing boats, where fishermen prepared it on board using the day’s catch and potatoes in a single pan. The name refers to the movement of the pan during cooking, which mixes the ingredients without breaking up the fish.
The recipe combines potato and fish, such as monkfish, ray or cod, with olive oil, garlic and stock. In the version published by the municipal tourism office, the fish is lightly floured and fried, as are the potatoes, before being arranged in layers in the casserole, with fish stock made from onion and tomato. The allioli, a sauce of garlic and olive oil, is added at the end of cooking: the casserole is moved to incorporate it into the stock before removing from the heat.
The Traditional Tossense Cooking Association promotes the La Cuina del Cim i Tomba campaign in September, with village restaurants serving the dish, and promotes the Tossense traditional cuisine brand. The European Interreg Europe programme records Tossa’s traditional cooking as a good practice in gastronomic tourism.
The dish is served year-round in the village’s eateries, and the September campaign is when it takes center stage.