With Christmas around the corner, most Filipinos think about feast and the coming Christmas season. That can only mean food. At every Filipino home, there are certain food that always grace the table during family gatherings. The most prominent among them are lechon (a roast pig), pancit (a noodle dish), and lumpia (a spring roll). I particularly like Lumpiang Shanghai. It’s a great appetizer and a hit with everyone all the time.

When I lived in New York, I usually brought a tray of them whenever I went to the Christmas parties of the various charities I belonged to. I have to admit this but I didn’t cook them. I was working long hours and had no time to cook. I had a friend in New York who sold them and for $25, I could have 100 pieces and everyone loved them.

Here is a simple recipe that you can follow. It’s delicious and addictive.

You need:

Vegetable oil for frying

50 pieces spring roll wrappers

 

Ingredients:

For filling:

2 lbs. ground chicken or 1 lb. lean ground pork

1 large carrot, grated

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup green onions, minced

8 oz. water chestnuts, chopped

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. black pepper, ground

1 tbsp. salt (use less depending on your taste)

1 egg, slightly beaten

Instructions:

1.      In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients, mix thoroughly.

2.     Wrap a tablespoon of the mixture in each spring roll pastry.

3.     Deep fry, a few pieces at a time, in hot oil until golden brown and cooked thoroughly, about 4-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4.    Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or ketchup as a dipping sauce or eat by itself.

5.     Delicious! Enjoy!!!