Hot And Sour Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hot and sour soup, a beloved dish that captivates with its perfect harmony of heat and acidity. This comforting soup is a staple in many Asian cuisines, featuring a delightful mix of ingredients that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer a unique culinary experience. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, hot and sour soup is sure to please anyone craving something savory and refreshing.
Ingredients
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup tofu, cubed
– 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon chili paste
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
– Green onions and cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cup): Calories: 180, Protein: 12g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fat: 6g, Fiber: 2g. This nutritional information is based on one serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots; simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the bamboo shoots and cubed tofu.
4. Mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
5. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring to thicken the soup.
7. Reduce heat and slowly stir in the beaten eggs to create egg ribbons.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or vinegar as desired.
9. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.
10. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can replace tofu with chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by using less chili paste.
Serving and Pairings
Hot and sour soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as an accompaniment to dumplings. You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or spring rolls for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. While freezing is possible, the texture of the tofu may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t add too much vinegar at once; taste as you go.
- Ensure the broth is well-seasoned before adding other ingredients.
- Be careful when adding the cornstarch; mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Don’t overcook the tofu; it should be heated through but not mushy.
- Adjust spice levels gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
Helpful Tips
- Use homemade broth for a richer flavor.
- Fresh ingredients enhance the soup’s taste significantly.
- For extra heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Experiment with different vegetables for variety.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving for better flavor integration.
FAQs
What is hot and sour soup made of?
Hot and sour soup typically includes ingredients such as broth, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a mix of vinegar and chili paste for flavor.
Can I make hot and sour soup vegan?
Yes, you can make hot and sour soup vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting any animal products, like eggs or meat, while adding more vegetables.
How spicy is hot and sour soup?
The spiciness of hot and sour soup can vary based on the amount of chili paste or fresh peppers used. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can hot and sour soup be frozen?
While it can be frozen, the texture of some ingredients like tofu may change after thawing. It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator.
How long does hot and sour soup last in the fridge?
Hot and sour soup can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Hot and sour soup is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that balances flavors in a bowl. With its satisfying warmth and unique taste, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try making this comforting soup at home and enjoy the rich flavors that will surely warm your heart and soul.
Hot And Sour Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup tofu cubed
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the bamboo shoots and cubed tofu.
- Mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring to thicken the soup.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in the beaten eggs to create egg ribbons.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or vinegar as desired.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and cilantro.
