Patacones con Hogao is a traditional dish from Colombia, made with fried plantains and a flavorful tomato-based sauce called Hogao. It's a popular street food and is also commonly served as a side dish or appetizer in Colombian cuisine.

Patacones con Hogao is a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The plantains are fried to a golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft and tender interior. The Hogao sauce, made with tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices, is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the plantains.

One of the best things about Patacones con Hogao is that it's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course. It's also a great option for parties or gatherings, as it's easy to prepare and can be served hot or cold.

When making Patacones con Hogao, it's important to use green plantains, as they are less sweet and more starchy than ripe plantains. This gives them the perfect texture for frying and makes them a great base for the Hogao sauce.

The Hogao sauce is what really makes this dish stand out. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and spices gives it a rich and complex flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of cilantro at the end of the cooking process gives it a fresh and vibrant taste.

Overall, Patacones con Hogao is a dish that is sure to impress. It's easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a side dish, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, we'll take you through step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

1- 4 green plantains

2- 2 cups vegetable oil

3- 1 onion, chopped

4- 2 garlic cloves, minced

5- 2 tomatoes, chopped

6- 1 red bell pepper, chopped

7- 1 tablespoon cumin

8- 1 tablespoon paprika

9- 1 tablespoon salt

10- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper

11- 1/2 cup water

12- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick rounds.

2- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3- Once the oil is hot, add the plantain rounds to the skillet and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4- Preheat the oven to 375°F.

5- To make the Hogao, heat a tablespoon of oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.

6- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

7- Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir well.

8- Pour the water into the skillet and stir again.

9- Let the Hogao simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

10- Add the chopped cilantro to the skillet and stir once more.

11- Place the fried plantains on a baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass or a small plate to flatten them into discs.

12- Bake the flattened plantains in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they are crispy.

13- Remove the plantains from the oven and place them on a serving platter.

14- Spoon the Hogao sauce over the plantains and serve hot.

Note:

Patacones con Hogao is best served fresh, so it's recommended to make them just before serving. You can also adjust the spiciness level of the Hogao by adding more or less paprika and black pepper to the sauce.

Nutrition Facts:

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. The nutrition facts per serving are as follows:

• Calories: 365
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 1785mg
• Sugar: 16g

Patacones con Hogao are a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy!