• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks

IzzyCooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Sous Vide
    • Air Fryer
    • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Snacks

    02/03/2021

    Hormigas Culonas (Colombian Big-Bottomed Ants)

    • Share
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These edible insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are often fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags as a snack. 

    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are usually fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags. #HormigasCulonas #Culonas
    Table of Contents Show
    What are hormigas culonas?
    Where to find hormigas culonas?
    Eating hormigas culonas
    How to make Colombian edible hormigas culonas?
    What do hormigas culonas taste like?
    Fried Hormigas Culonas Recipe

    What are hormigas culonas?

    Also called Atta Laevigata, hormigas culonas is Spanish for the flat-butted ant. This species is one of the largest leafcutter ants, recognized by the smooth and shining head. Hormigas culonas are a good source of protein and low in saturated fat. 

    They’re harvested during rainy season in April and May. There are only a few weeks a year that’s best to collect them. 

    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are usually fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags. #HormigasCulonas #Culonas

    Where to find hormigas culonas?

    This ant species is often found in Colombia, more specifically in Santander region. They are sold in the street, fried or roasted, and are not cheap. You can also find them in restaurant like this in Barichara, known for its delicious hormigas culonas.

    Eating hormigas culonas

    Local Colombian have been eaten hormigas culonas for hundreds of years, as a tradition inherited from pre-Colombian cultures.

    As a snack, it’s often sold on street corners, toasted with salt or made with the addition of wine. In some upscale restaurants, these giant ants are made into gourmet dishes served at lunch or dinner.

    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are usually fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags. #HormigasCulonas #Culonas

    How to make Colombian edible hormigas culonas?

    • Step 1: Prepare the ants – remove the ants’ legs and wings.
    • Step 2: Soak the ants – Add salt in the water in a large bowl, and soak the ants in salted water.
    • Step 3: Deep Fry the ants – Fry in oil for a few minutes (or roasted in ceramic pans).
    • Step 4: Serve – Strain the oil. Season with more salt and serve.

    Note: Some restaurants have a more creative way to cook this insect by garnishing filet mignon with toasted hormigas culonas in the sauce. 

    What do hormigas culonas taste like?

    Hormigas culonas are crunchy, salty, and taste a little like crispy peanuts.

    If You Like This Recipe Try These Out

    • These Sous Vide Lobster Tails are incredibly tender, juicy, and full of delicious lemon butter flavor. With sous vide method, cooking lobster is no longer intimidating. This is a no-fail recipe that produces the most succulent restaurant-quality lobster at home! #SousVideLobster #SousVideLobsterTails
      Sous Vide Lobster
    • Sous Vide Octopus is the easiest and fail-proof method to cook the perfect octopus – tender and flavorful, with a beautiful char on the outside! Cook octopus in the sous vide water bath at 171ºF (77ºC) for 5 hours, and then quickly grill or sear at the end for the best octopus EVERY TIME! #SousVideOctopus
      Sous Vide Octopus
    • Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Gizzards are so tender and flavorful, perfect for game day and holiday parties. Boiling them before marinating is the key to ensure the super tender texture, and panko bread crumbs create an addictive crunch! No deep-frying! We’ll show you how to make these baked chicken gizzards from scratch with step by step guide. #ChickenGizzard #ChickenGizzardRecipe #Fried ChickenGizzards
      Chicken Gizzards
    • Braised Pig’s Feet are tender, juicy, and flavorful – cooked long and slow in a rich sauce. Pig feet or pig trotters are considered one of the most delicious parts of pork. My family makes this recipe for regular weekdays and special occasions like Chinese New Year. Serve them with mashed potatoes and green vegetables for an amazing meal! #PigFeet #PigFeetRecipe #PigTrotters #PorkFeet
      Pig Feet
    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are usually fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags.

    Fried Hormigas Culonas Recipe

    Hormigas Culonas are large leaf-cutter ants that have been a popular delicacy in Santander, Colombia. These insects are usually female with another name “big-bottomed ants”. Harvested in springtime, hormigas culonas are usually fried or roasted with salt, and then served in small containers or bags.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Brining Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 4
    Author: Izzy

    Ingredients 

    • 1 lb hormigas culonas
    • 1/4 cup salt
    • 4 cups water
    • vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions 

    • Remove the ants’ legs and wings, and clean with water.
    • Add salt and water in a large bowl. Whisk until salt dissolves completely.
    • Soak the ants in salted water for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
    • Dry the soaked ants with paper towel.
    • In a deep saucepan or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 350°F.
    • Deep-fry the ants in small batches about 2-3 minutes until they become crunchy and cooked through.
    • Remove the cooked ants from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain.
    • Season with more salt and serve.
    Author: Izzy
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Colombian
    Keyword: Culnonas, Hormigas Culonas
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    Editor note: Originally published June 9, 2020 and updated Feb 3, 2021.

    Filed Under: Snacks Tagged With: hormigas culonas

    About Izzy

    I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, this is Izzy! On my blog, you will find easy and delicious recipes for the everyday home cook, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Best Low-Cholesterol Recipes For Your Low-Cholesterol Diet
    • What to Cook with Instant Ramen (Best Instant Ramen Recipes)
    • 40+ Popular Authentic Chinese Recipes That Are Easy To Make At Home
    • How Many Cups In A Gallon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Copyright © 2022 - Izzycooking