How to Make Hot and Sour Soup (Home-style Version)
Hot and sour soup, also known as "hu la tang" in Chinese, is a popular dish that originated from Sichuan province. It is a hearty soup that is both spicy and tangy, and is perfect for cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather. Here is a home-style version of the recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 6 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Rehydrate the Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until they are fully rehydrated. Once they are soft, squeeze out any excess water and slice them thinly.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and cubed tofu. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the soup and stir well. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Beaten Eggs
Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently. The eggs will cook instantly and form thin ribbons in the soup.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. Feel free to adjust the spiciness or tanginess to your liking by adding more or less chili garlic sauce or rice vinegar. Hot and sour soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences, so don't be afraid to experiment!