Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, salt, cumin, and black pepper.
Turn the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce (about 10–15 minutes).
Add a splash of water if needed.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Keep any leftover hogao in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator. It’ll be good for up to a week. You can also put it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally as you do. If working with frozen hogao, make sure to thaw it overnight first before reheating.
Expert Tips
For the best flavor, opt to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for this recipe.
To give the sauce a burst of freshness, consider adding chopped cilantro as the dish is about to finish cooking.
Taste as you go. Adjust the salt, pepper, and spices you add depending on your preferences.
If you want the sauce to have a rustier, chunkier texture, use roughly chopped tomatoes and green onions instead of finely cut ones.
Let the sauce rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving, if time permits. This would allow all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a cohesive-tasting dish.
Whether or not you need to add water largely depends on how much moisture the tomatoes you use contain.