Hot and Sour Soup

### How to Make Hot and Sour Soup

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Broth**
1. In a large pot, bring the **chicken or vegetable broth** to a boil over medium-high heat. This will be the base of your soup.
2. Add the **soy sauce**, **rice vinegar**, **chili paste**, and **sugar**. Stir to combine and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
3. Taste the broth and adjust the flavor to your liking. If you prefer more sourness, add more vinegar; if you want more spice, add more chili paste.

#### **Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Tofu**
1. Once the broth is simmering, add the **mushrooms**, **bamboo shoots**, and **tofu** cubes to the pot. Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and the tofu to absorb the flavors of the broth.

#### **Step 3: Thicken the Soup**
1. In a small bowl, mix the **cornstarch** with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
2. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the soup to a rich, velvety texture.

#### **Step 4: Add the Eggs**
1. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the **beaten eggs** into the soup while stirring gently. The eggs will form delicate ribbons in the hot liquid, creating a silky texture.
2. Once the eggs are fully cooked, season the soup with **white pepper** to taste. If you prefer an extra kick, add a drizzle of **chili oil** or **chili paste**.

#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **chopped green onions**. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

### Tips for the Best Hot and Sour Soup

– **Adjust the Spice Level**: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chili paste and taste as you go. You can always add more heat later, but it’s difficult to remove once it’s in the soup.
– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh mushrooms and tofu will elevate the flavor and texture of your soup. Don’t skip on these key ingredients!
– **Make It Vegan**: Skip the eggs and use **vegetable broth** for a vegan version of Hot and Sour Soup. You can also replace tofu with tempeh for an extra protein boost.
– **Keep It Simmering**: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the flavors to meld together creates the depth of flavor that makes this soup so irresistible.

### Serving Suggestions

Hot and Sour Soup is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside:

– **Steamed Rice**: Serve a bowl of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious broth.
– **Spring Rolls**: Crispy spring rolls with dipping sauce make a great appetizer to accompany the soup.
– **Chinese Dumplings**: Dumplings, whether steamed or fried, complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
– **Stir-Fried Vegetables**: A side of stir-fried vegetables with garlic and soy sauce balances out the meal.

### Conclusion

There’s no need to order takeout when you can make this flavorful **Hot and Sour Soup** at home! With its perfect blend of tangy vinegar, spicy chili paste, savory soy sauce, and hearty ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, this soup offers the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something spicy and soothing or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this Hot and Sour Soup recipe is sure to deliver. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.