Colombian hogao is an ideal sauce to accompany other dishes, such as mainly patacones, empanadas, arepas, rice, but you can also add it to soups when they have been served like sancocho, lentils, among others.
I love hogao with patacón or arepa, that's why I usually prepare it at home frequently, I even like to eat some patacones with this stew, among the daily meals.
This Colombian hogao recipe is the recipe my grandmother taught me, as she used to prepare the arepas with corn mill and by hand for breakfast, and accompanied them with this sauce, almost every day. On some occasions, she added eggs, which turned this recipe into perico eggs.
What is hogao and how is it used in Colombian cuisine?
Hogao is a traditional Colombian sauce made from tomatoes, long onion, garlic, oil, and salt. Sometimes, ground pepper is also added. It is mainly used as an accompaniment to dishes like patacones, arepas, empanadas, and meats, providing a delicious and fresh flavor.
How to achieve the perfect texture?
To achieve an ideal texture, it is important to sauté the ingredients over medium heat for approximately 7 minutes, stirring constantly. The onion should become transparent, which indicates that the flavors have mixed properly.
Can I replace the long onion with another type of onion?
Yes, you can replace the long onion with egg onion or another type of onion if you prefer. However, the long onion is traditional in the Colombian hogao recipe and provides a characteristic flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe without garlic?
Garlic is one of the fundamental ingredients of hogao, but if you do not like it or have any dietary restrictions, you can omit it. However, keep in mind that the final flavor will be different from traditional hogao.
How long does hogao last in the fridge?
Hogao can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for approximately 3-5 days. Make sure to keep it well covered to prevent the smells from mixing with other foods.
Tips and tricks
- Finely chop the tomatoes, long onion, and garlic to obtain a more homogeneous sauce.
- Use ripe and good quality tomatoes to obtain a more intense flavor.
- If desired, add a touch of chopped cilantro at the end of cooking to give it a fresh and herbal flavor.
Common mistakes when preparing Hogao and how to avoid them
- Cooking the ingredients over high heat: This can cause the hogao to burn or cook unevenly. Always use medium heat and stir constantly.
- Not finely chopping the ingredients: If the ingredients are not well chopped, the texture of the hogao will be irregular and less pleasant to the palate.
Similar recipes or those that share ingredients
Stuffed Arepas: Stuffed arepas use similar ingredients to hogao, such as tomato and onion. The hogao can be used as a filling or accompaniment for arepas, adding a touch of flavor and juiciness.
Patacones with guacamole: Patacones, also known as tostones, are a typical Colombian recipe that uses fried green bananas. They can be served with guacamole, which shares ingredients like tomato, onion, and garlic. Hogao is another delicious option to accompany patacones, providing a fresh and authentically Colombian flavor.
Colombian empanadas: Empanadas are a popular appetizer in Colombia, filled with meat, chicken, potato, or cheese. Hogao can be used as a dressing or as an ingredient in the filling, bringing a unique and delicious flavor to this traditional dish.
In summary, hogao is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of Colombian recipes. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you will be able to prepare a delicious hogao to enjoy with your favorite dishes.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2 sprigs of long onion (finely chopped)
- ½ garlic clove (finely chopped)
- 1 pinch of ground pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons of oil
- Salt to taste
Notas
- You can also prepare this recipe using egg onion.
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, add the 2 teaspoons of oil, tomato, onion, garlic, pepper (if using), and salt to taste.
- Sauté for about 7 minutes or until the onion is transparent, stirring constantly.
- Serve and enjoy with patacones or arepas.
Comments
No Comments