A Taste of Pampanga’s Holy Week Tradition
In Pampanga, locals call this dish Lumpiang Quaresma—a meat-free lumpia often prepared during Holy Week. This humble roll, filled with shredded papaya and vegetables, is proof that Filipino kitchens know how to make magic from the simplest ingredients.
Today, we give this timeless classic a heartier twist. By adding a little ground pork and carrots, we create a filling that’s both satisfying and nutritious—perfect for family meals, merienda, or even pulutan.
Lumpiang Papaya Recipe
Ingredients
Set A – Filling
- 2 cups green papaya grated
- 1 cup carrots grated
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Set B – Protein (Optional)
- 200 g ground pork
- 1 tbsp oil for sautéing
Set C – Lumpia Wrapping
- 12 –15 lumpia wrappers
- Water or flour slurry for sealing
- Oil for deep-frying
Set D – Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup vinegar
- Dash of soy sauce
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 small white onion thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 –2 fresh chilies chopped
- 1 –2 tsp sugar to taste
- 2 –3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
Set A – Prepare the Vegetables
- Grate papaya and carrots, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add onion, garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until evenly seasoned.
Set B – Cook the Pork and Combine
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sauté ground pork until lightly browned.
- Add the papaya-carrot mixture and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool before wrapping.
Set C – Wrap and Fry
- Lay a lumpia wrapper flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold sides inward, roll tightly, and seal edges with water or slurry.
- Repeat until all filling is used.
- Heat oil over medium heat. Fry lumpia in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Set D – Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, onions, cucumber, garlic, and chili.
- Add sugar, water, pepper, and salt. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Simpol Cooking Notes
- Papaya is key: Make sure to use green (unripe) papaya for the right crunch and mild sweetness.
- Go meat-free: Skip the pork if you want the traditional Holy Week version—it’s just as flavorful.
- Seal it right: Use enough slurry or water to keep your lumpia rolls from opening up while frying.
- Fry gently: Keep the oil at medium heat to avoid burning the wrappers before the filling cooks through.
- Versatile dish: Serve as a main meal with rice, a snack for the kids, or even pulutan with friends.
