Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

 Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) tofu, diced into small cubes
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced (canned bamboo shoots are fine)
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced (dried mushrooms soaked in water and then sliced can also be used)
• 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup canned or fresh corn kernels
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped spring onions (scallions) for garnish
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sesame oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Add Tofu and Vegetables:

   • Add diced tofu, bamboo shoots, sliced shiitake mushrooms, julienned carrots, and corn kernels to the boiling broth. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3. Season the Soup:

   • Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce or Sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Thicken the Soup:

   • Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir (as cornstarch tends to settle). Gradually pour it into the soup while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the soup slightly.

5. Add Beaten Egg:

   • Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup in a steady stream while stirring the soup gently with a fork or chopsticks. The egg will cook immediately and form thin strands.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Let the soup simmer for another minute to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
   • Remove from heat and ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped spring onions and cilantro, if using.
   • Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil on top for extra flavor, if desired.

7. Serve Hot:

   • Serve hot as a comforting appetizer or as part of a Chinese-inspired meal.