Venison Lumpia

It’s a good thing these are easy to make, because you’ll want to make a lot of them. A pot luck and party favorite, the lumpia is always the first thing to go. Originating in the Philippines, they’re similar to a spring roll, but with a lighter, crispier wrapper. They’re are are addictive as they are delicious. We make a BUNCH, so scale up the recipe as needed, and freeze some for quick party snacks. They can be fried after a partial thaw. Lumpia wrappers can be purchased in the freezer section of your local ethnic grocer, but if you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers will work in a pinch.

Venison Lumpia with Tangy Sambal Oelek Dipping Sauce

Prep time: 1 hour

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

2 lb ground venison (80:20 ratio venison to pork fat)

2 carrots, peeled, roughly chopped

1 onion, peeled, roughly chopped

4 cloves peeled garlic, smashed

Handful of green onions, chopped fine

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Lumpia wrappers (30-40)

Method

Using a food processor, pulse the carrots until fine, but try not to pulp it all. Remove from processor, add onions and garlic and repeat.

Add venison, onion, carrots, and scallions to a large bowl and mix lightly. Stir in soy sauce, salt and pepper.

Place lumpia wrapper on a clean work surface and top with a tablespoon or so of the filling. You’ll want to spread it out in a line parallel to the edge of the wrapper, about an inch or so in. Fold in the edges of the wrapper perpendicular to the line of filling first, as shown, then fold the edge of the wrapper parallel to the filling. Roll the lumpia like a little burrito almost to the end of the wrapper, then wet the closing edge with a little water and seal the wrapper. (See below)

To serve, heat frying oil in a deep sided pan to 350F and fry in batches until golden brown on all sides. Serve with sweet & tangy lumpia dipping sauce.

Tangy-Sweet Sambal Oelek Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

¾ cup white vinegar

½ cup water

2 tbsp sambal oelek or other chili sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

Method

Combine all ingredients in sauce pan, stir and simmer until reduced by half.