Is there a lumpia? Where is the lumpia? Please bring me some lumpia for take away. If you are Filipino, then you may understand what I am talking about, or you can relate. Thus, for those who are not, let me tell you some facts about it, lol.
Lumpia is one of the well-known food in our country, and just like letchon, it seemed the party was incomplete without it. It even became a joke, asking for a takeaway when someone invited you to a party yet to couldn't attend. Though it has different types like Shanghai - originated by the Chinese, naked lumpia - not wrapped, yet the most requested was lumpiang gulay -vegetable spring rolls.
What is lumpia?
Here, let me show you;
It was a regular morning when I prepared a simple breakfast for the husband, along with his coffee.
Just toasted bread and scrambled egg. Maybe he found it plain, so when he went out for a while in the house, he bought some lumpia. That is when I had an idea, why not cook some? Gladly, he agreed, it was a must as he would be the one to prepare.
The Ingredients
- Togue - (bean sprouts)
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Baguio beans
- Sweet potato
- Onion and garlic
- Celery (optional based on your preferences)
- Of course, the wrapper
Sliced thinly all ingredients except togue.
It is essential to slice the vegetables appropriately as they will be fried later after being wrapped. If to think that would take some time.
After, we decided to mix the carrots, Baguio beans, and sweet potato for washing as both had almost the same cooking time.
Just like in normal cooking, saute the garlic and onions. Once cooked, add the mixed veggies to the pan.
Stir for a while to ensure it is well-sauteed. Add the seasonings, salt, black pepper, or flavored seasonings in your country. Here we have what we call Magic Sarap.. This is a well-known all in one seasoning, flavoring and spices that does magic as you sprinkle the granules in whatever menu you are cooking.
Though health-conscious people aren't fond of using it, still it is safe to use.
Mix well and cover the pot you are using, then leave it for a while. Adding water is no longer needed. The veggies used plus the heat was already enough to produce sufficient water for it to be cooked.
That's the time to add the togue, cabbage, and celery. You can add celery earlier.
Mixed, mixed, and taste first if it was already okay for your liking. Again, cover the pot for a few minutes, enough for the last veggies to cook. Just take a note Just a few minutes, don't overcook the veggies.
Apologies if I couldn't take photos, as this was when the kids (husband's nephews) began to throw tantrums. I coaxed them, and hubby was done when they were back in the mood.
Just deep fry until the colors turn golden brown. That's the cue!
Here is the finished product.
And wait, Lumpia Togue would only be complete with the perfect sauce; spicy vinegar.
Thanks for dropping by and had a great week.
Footer credit to Sensiblecast
Lead image edited using Canva
All photos are mine