What is the Process of Making Lomi

Lomi is a popular Filipino dish that originated from Batangas, a province in the Philippines known for its rich culinary heritage. It is a noodle soup dish that typically includes thick egg noodles, various meat or seafood, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Lomi is a truly comforting meal, often enjoyed on rainy days or as a warm and hearty meal during colder seasons.

The process of making lomi involves several steps to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures. To begin, you will need the following ingredients: thick egg noodles, pork meat or chicken meat, shrimp, liver, garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage, chicken broth or stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and cornstarch for thickening the broth.

Firstly, you will need to prepare the ingredients. Slice the pork meat or chicken meat into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Cut the liver into thin slices and chop the garlic and onions. Julienne the carrots and shred the cabbage. Prepare the chicken broth or stock by simmering chicken bones or leftover chicken in water with salt, pepper, and vegetables.

Next, cook the meat and seafood. In a large pot or pan, heat some oil and sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent. Add the pork meat or chicken meat and cook until slightly browned. Once cooked, you can set the meat aside and cook the shrimp and liver separately. Be sure not to overcook the seafood to retain its tenderness and flavor.

Afterward, it’s time to prepare the broth. In the same pot or pan, pour in the chicken broth or stock and bring it to a boil. Add the cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables. Season the broth with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pepper to taste. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the broth simmers, cook the thick egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside.

To thicken the lomi broth, dissolve a few tablespoons of cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the broth until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Lastly, assemble the lomi. In a bowl, place a generous portion of the cooked thick egg noodles. Ladle the thickened broth with meat, seafood, and vegetables over the noodles. Garnish with some fried garlic for added flavor and crunch. Serve the lomi hot and enjoy!

Making lomi is not only a delicious culinary endeavor but also a labor of love. It requires attention to detail and patience to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its comforting warmth and satisfying taste, lomi is undoubtedly a Filipino favorite that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.