chicken lumpia, a beloved Filipino snack, holds a special place in my culinary heart. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even a late-night snack. Today, I’m taking this classic recipe and infusing it with flavors from around the world, creating a dish that is both familiar and extraordinary.
Ingredients:
For the Lumpia Wrappers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
For the Filling:
1 pound ground chicken
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup carrots, grated
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten
For Frying:
Vegetable oil
Preparation:
1. Make the Lumpia Wrappers:
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a thin, circular wrapper.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and water chestnuts to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the flavors are well combined.
Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Lumpia:
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of a lumpia wrapper.
Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll it up tightly.
Seal the edges with a little bit of egg wash.
4. Fry the Lumpia:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the lumpia, a few at a time, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the lumpia from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Ideas:
Classic Filipino Style: Serve golden-brown lumpia with a side of sweet chili sauce.
Asian Fusion: Pair lumpia with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil.
Mediterranean Twist: Serve lumpia with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip.
Elegant Appetizer: Cut lumpia into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces.
A Culinary Journey
This recipe is a testament to the beauty of cultural fusion. It brings together the simplicity of Filipino cuisine with the bold flavors of Asian and Western culinary traditions. Each bite is a journey, a symphony of tastes and textures that transport you to distant lands.
