Whenever we host a gathering of family or friends, one topic never fails to come up, home-cooked meals.  Well, I do cook the usual family favorites, but my husband cooks the meanest special meals which his family and friends applaud him for!  I admit to that fact, even on our wedding vows, that he's a better cook than I am.  One example was his special recipe last weekend which I am going to share with you today, his healthy Chili Cheesy Pork Lumpia Pesto.

How could a Lumpia be so healthy?  It was fried using Filippo Berio Olive Oil.  And wait a minute, did I hear Pesto?  Yes you're correct, that's the twist to this recipe, a different variety of Pork Lumpia.  We used Filippo Berio Pesto for this new Lumpia recipe.  Wait, there's more, did you also say Chili and Cheesy?  YES I did.. it may seem like a confusing mix of ingredients but I tell you, not that I'm being biased, it's bursting with flavor which you'd need extra rice to go with it.  Now, let me share with you our special recipe.

Chili Cheesy Pork Lumpia Pesto
Ingredients:
 -   1/2 ground lean pork
 -   2 onions, minced
 -   1 large carrot, chopped finely
 -   10 - 20 pcs finger chili peppers (siling mahaba)
 -   1 bundle of kinchay or parsley, chopped
 -   3-4 tbsps of Filippo Berio Classic Pesto
 -   salt and pepper
 -   1/2 block of cheese, grated
 -   Filippo Berio Olive Oil
 -   20 - 30 pcs spring roll wrappers
 -   water

Procedure:
1.   In a bowl, mix ground pork, chopped/minced carrots, onions, kinchay, salt and pepper to taste.
2.   On a different plate or flat surface, separate each of the Lumpia wrappers gently.
3.   Cut the side of each of the finger chili peppers and remove the seeds.
4.   Assemble the Pork Lumpia by putting the seedless finger chili on the wrapper first.  Stuff it with enough ground pork mixture, top it with Filippo Berio Classic Pesto and grated cheese.
5.   Roll the stuffed lumpia wrapper and secure the sides with a dab of water.
6.   In a pan, pour and heat the Filippo Berio Olive Oil.
7.   On medium heat, fry the lumpia rolls in batches, do not overcrowd.  Fry for about 7-10 minutes or until meat is cooked through.  Turn as needed to cook both sides.
8.   When cooked, drain the lumpia rolls on a rack or strainer.  Serve and enjoy with hot rice.
Apart from me being a fan of my husband's cooking, I'm a fan of eating healthy and delicious food.  Our family achieves healthy and delicious eating with Filippo Berio as our partners in the kitchen.  Homemade meals are made more special, plus we're assured of the freshness of ingredients.
Thank you Filippo Berio for gracing our kitchen!  There are still so many other dishes we could make special using your products!  I'll cook pasta or prepare salad next time.  Until then! :)