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**Fresh Lumpia: A Flavorful Filipino Delight with Homemade Wrappers, Fillings, and Sauce**
Fresh Lumpia is a beloved Filipino dish that combines fresh vegetables, savory fillings, and a savory, sweet sauce all wrapped in a delicate, thin wrapper. It’s a refreshing alternative to fried spring rolls, and its delicious combination of textures and flavors has made it a favorite among families, parties, and street food vendors alike.
Unlike traditional lumpia, which is deep-fried, **fresh lumpia** is a healthy, light version of the popular dish. With a soft, pliable wrapper and a fresh, crunchy filling, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and is perfect for a light snack or appetizer. It’s customizable, so you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences.
If you’ve ever wanted to make **fresh lumpia** from scratch, this recipe will guide you through the process of preparing everything from the wrappers to the delicious fillings and the iconic sauce that ties everything together. Let’s get started!
### Why You’ll Love Fresh Lumpia
1. **Healthy and Light**: Since it’s not fried, fresh lumpia is a healthier alternative to other spring rolls. The fresh vegetables and lean protein fillings make it a nutritious snack or appetizer.
2. **Versatile**: The filling ingredients can be tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, fresh lumpia offers endless possibilities to suit different dietary preferences.
3. **Refreshing and Delicious**: The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory meat, and the sweet-savory peanut sauce makes this dish a delight in every bite. The crispy texture of the vegetables inside contrasts beautifully with the soft wrapper.
4. **Perfect for Special Occasions**: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, potluck, or casual gathering, fresh lumpia is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
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### Ingredients for Fresh Lumpia
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this refreshing Filipino dish:
#### **For the Lumpia Wrapper**:
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1 1/4 cups water**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon sugar**
– **1 tablespoon cornstarch**
– **1 tablespoon vegetable oil** (for greasing the pan)
#### **For the Lumpia Filling**:
– **1 tablespoon vegetable oil** (for sautéing)
– **1/2 pound ground pork** (or chicken, shrimp, or a mixture)
– **1/2 cup jicama** (sliced into thin strips, also known as **singkamas**)
– **1/2 cup carrots**, julienned
– **1/2 cup cabbage**, thinly sliced
– **1/4 cup green beans**, cut into small pieces
– **1/2 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tablespoons soy sauce**
– **1 tablespoon fish sauce** (optional)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
#### **For the Lumpia Sauce**:
– **1/4 cup peanut butter** (smooth)
– **2 tablespoons soy sauce**
– **1 tablespoon hoisin sauce**
– **2 tablespoons brown sugar**
– **1/2 cup water** (or as needed for desired consistency)
– **1 tablespoon rice vinegar** (for a tangy kick)
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic**, minced
– **1/2 teaspoon chili flakes** (optional, for heat)
### How to Make Fresh Lumpia
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Lumpia Wrapper**
Making the wrappers for fresh lumpia is easy and straightforward:
1. **Mix the ingredients**: In a bowl, combine the **flour**, **water**, **salt**, **sugar**, **cornstarch**, and **vegetable oil**. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
2. **Cook the wrappers**: Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of oil. Pour a small ladle of the batter into the pan, swirling it to cover the surface evenly. Cook for about **1-2 minutes** until the edges begin to lift and the surface is set. Flip and cook for another **30 seconds**. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat until all the wrappers are cooked, stacking them on top of each other with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Filling**
For the filling, we’ll sauté the vegetables and protein to create a flavorful mixture:
1. **Sauté the aromatics**: Heat **1 tablespoon of vegetable oil** in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the **onions** and **garlic**, sautéing for about **2 minutes** until fragrant.
2. **Cook the protein**: Add the **ground pork** (or shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the **soy sauce** and **fish sauce**, seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for another **3-4 minutes**.
3. **Add the vegetables**: Stir in the **jicama**, **carrots**, **green beans**, and **cabbage**. Sauté for another **3-5 minutes** until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crisp. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
4. **Cool the filling**: Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the lumpia.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Lumpia Sauce**
For the sweet, savory peanut sauce, follow these easy steps:
1. **Mix the ingredients**: In a bowl, combine the **peanut butter**, **soy sauce**, **hoisin sauce**, **brown sugar**, **water**, **rice vinegar**, **garlic**, and **chili flakes**. Stir everything together until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if the sauce is too thick.
2. **Taste and adjust**: Taste the sauce and add more sugar or soy sauce if necessary. The sauce should have a good balance of savory, sweet, and a little tanginess from the vinegar.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Fresh Lumpia**
Now, it’s time to assemble your fresh lumpia:
1. **Lay out the wrapper**: Place a cooked wrapper on a clean surface or plate.
2. **Add the filling**: Spoon a small amount of the vegetable and meat filling onto the center of the wrapper, spreading it evenly.
3. **Roll the lumpia**: Carefully fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll it up tightly like a burrito, sealing the edges with a little water if necessary.
4. **Serve**: Once all the lumpia are wrapped, drizzle each one with the **peanut sauce** and garnish with **crispy garlic**, **crushed peanuts**, or **chopped green onions** if desired.
### Tips for Making the Best Fresh Lumpia
– **Customizable fillings**: You can add or substitute fillings based on your personal preferences. Try adding shrimp, tofu, or even shredded chicken to the mix. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts.
– **Make ahead**: Fresh lumpia wrappers can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to **2 days**. You can also prep the filling and sauce in advance, making assembly easy when you’re ready to serve.
– **Make the sauce spicy**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add **chili paste** or extra **chili flakes** to the sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
– **Healthy variation**: If you’re looking for a lighter version, feel free to use less peanut butter or substitute it with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
### Why Fresh Lumpia is So Special
**Fresh lumpia** isn’t just a delicious dish — it’s a celebration of the Philippines’ diverse culinary influences. The contrast of the crunchy vegetables, savory protein, and sweet-savory sauce makes every bite an experience. The homemade wrappers are light, soft, and a perfect vessel for all the flavorful fillings.
This dish is popular in Filipino households for special occasions, family gatherings, or even as a simple snack. Its versatility allows it to be adjusted based on dietary needs or personal preferences, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.
### Final Thoughts
Making **Fresh Lumpia** from scratch may take a little time and effort, but the results are well worth it. With homemade wrappers, a deliciously savory filling, and a tangy peanut sauce, this Filipino classic will soon become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a family meal, fresh lumpia will never disappoint. Enjoy this tasty, refreshing treat with your loved ones!
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