Fresh Vegetable Lumpia

This is an adopted recipe that I've not yet had the chance to try, although it looks wonderful. I wasn't even sure what annatto seeds were, so I looked it up and here's what I found, from http://www.cuisinenet.com/glossary/achiote.html: "The small hard achiote seed, which is also called the annatto seed, is sold both whole and ground. It is prized in Indian and Hispanic cuisine for its slightly bitter, earthy flavor and russet color. In the United States, annatto extract is used to color butter, margarine, and cheese." I would say that if you can't find it, to try it without the annatto seed. That's probably what I'll do when I eventually make these. Any reviews by those who make this recipe before I do (or after, of course) would be appreciated. Thanks!

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon annatto seeds or 1  tablespoon ground annatto seed
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 2  oil or 2  lard
• 4  pieces tofu (optional)
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups water or 1 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup carrot, strips
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 1⁄2 lb pork, cubed (any cut)
• 1⁄2 lb shrimp, shelled and chopped coarsely
• 20  lumpia skins
• 1  cup potato, strips
• 3  cups  shredded cabbage
• 2  cups string beans, strips
• 1  cup garbanzo beans
• 2  tablespoons fish sauce
• 10  lettuce leaves

• Lumpia Sauce

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
•  crushed garlic (optional)

Directions

1. Lumpia Sauce: Cook ahead before making the lumpia and set aside.
2. Mix all ingredients except cornstarch.
3. Boil.
4. Dispense cornstarch in water and add to the boiling mixture.
5. Reduce heat and stir to prevent lumps.
6. Serve with Fresh Lumpia.
7. Freshly crushed garlic may be served mix with the sauce.
8. Fresh Lumpia: Soak annatto seed in vegetable oil.
9. Saute garlic in oil until brown.
10. Add onions, pork and shrimps.
11. Pour water or soup stock and cover.
12. Cook over moderate heat until pork is tender.
13. Add potatoes and other vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
14. Strain annatto seed from the oil and add the oil to the vegetable mixture.
15. Season with fish sauce.
16. Cook until all vegetables are crisp and tender (dont overcook vegetables).
17. Cool and drain in a colander.
18. When cool, place 1 lettuce leaf on top of each lumpia wrapper.
19. Add the vegetable mixture and wrap with lettuce showing at the end.
20. Serve with Lumpia sauce.