It’s been an absolute dream of mine to share Colombian recipes with the world, and I couldn’t help but start with “hogao.” If you’re looking for a way to use up extra onions and tomatoes, this Colombian staple is my personal favorite kitchen secret. It’s a rich, savory sauce that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Traditionally, hogao is used as a base in many Colombian dishes, but honestly I love it just as much spooned over crispy arepas (think thick, crunchy tortilla), spread on avocado toast, or mixed into scrambled eggs. It’s one of those recipes that instantly elevates a simple meal into something that feels cozy, flavorful, and homemade.

Cooking Tip: Use large, meaty tomatoes to get the most juice out of them! Red beefsteak or roma tomatoes work well.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are several ways to make hogao, and I have tried many! This method involves grating tomatoes, and while it is more involved, I prefer this texture over chopped tomatoes. It creates more of a “sauce” like consistency.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow onion
  • Green onion
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

How to Use Hogao in Dishes

  • As a base for cooking beans or stews
  • Cook with your scrambled eggs for a flavor boost
  • Serve with rice
  • Use as a topping for arepas or patacones (smashed plantains)

How to Make Hogao

Sauté the onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the onions until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and salt. Stir and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Lower the heat and let the sauce gently cook down for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Season and serve – taste, adjust salt if necessary, and enjoy it warm.

Colombian Hogao (Tomato and Onion Sauce)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Author: Monica Echeverri
This traditional Colombian hogao is made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic – the perfect savory sauce for arepas, avocado toast, eggs, and more.
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups grated tomato
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil on a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute.
  • Add the grated tomato and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
  • Lower the heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, serve warm and enjoy!