Colombian Hogao

Name: Colombian Hogao
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: Scallions (green onions), finely chopped — 6; Onion, finely diced — 1 medium; Ripe tomatoes, chopped — 400 g (14 oz); Garlic cloves, minced — 3; Vegetable oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp); Ground cumin — 2 g (1/2 tsp); Salt and pepper — to taste

The Quirky Foodster Team

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10 min

Prep

30 min

Cook

Ingredients

Scallions (green onions), finely chopped — 6
Onion, finely diced — 1 medium
Ripe tomatoes, chopped — 400 g (14 oz)
Garlic cloves, minced — 3
Vegetable oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Ground cumin — 2 g (1/2 tsp)
Salt and pepper — to taste

Method

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; sauté scallions and onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chopped tomatoes and cumin; simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the oil
separates slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, spooned generously over rice, beans or arepas.

Cultural Background: A slow-cooked tomato and scallion base sauce, hogao (also called ahogao) is a foundational element of Colombian cuisine, ladled over rice, beans, arepas and virtually every savoury dish across the country's regional cooking styles.

Tips: • Long, slow simmering is essential to develop hogao's deep, sweet-savoury character — don't rush this step. • Using both scallion and regular onion gives a more complex allium flavour than either alone.

Variations: • Add diced bell pepper for extra sweetness and texture, common in some regional versions. • Use as a base for adding shredded chicken or beans to make a heartier stew.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 45 kcal, 1 g protein, 3.5 g fat, 4 g carbohydrate per 60 g serving. FAQs What is hogao traditionally served with? Rice, beans, arepas, and as a base sauce for many Colombian dishes. Can I make a big batch and freeze it? Yes, hogao freezes very well in portions and is a convenient staple to have on hand for quick meals.

FAQs: What is hogao traditionally served with? Rice, beans, arepas, and as a base sauce for many Colombian dishes. Can I make a big batch and freeze it? Yes, hogao freezes very well in portions and is a convenient staple to have on hand for quick meals.