How to Make Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its comforting flavors of tangy broth, hearty ingredients, and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make this flavorful soup at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced into small cubes
• 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha sauce for added heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Season the Broth:
   • Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground white pepper to the simmering broth. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
3. Thicken the Soup:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering broth while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to thicken slightly.
4. Add Vegetables and Tofu:
   • Stir in bamboo shoots, diced tofu, and wood ear mushrooms (if using). Simmer for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Add Beaten Eggs:
   • Slowly pour the lightly beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently in a circular motion. This will create ribbons of egg throughout the soup.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed. If you prefer a spicier soup, add chili paste or Sriracha sauce according to your preference.
7. Serve Hot:
   • Ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to customize your hot and sour soup by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for additional protein and flavor.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry used.
• Storage: Hot and Sour Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Hot and Sour Soup as a starter or a main dish, perfect for warming up on chilly days!