Ingredients

1 serrano chile pepper , seeded and minced
5 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
5 fresh shiitake mushrooms , stemmed and sliced
1/2 pound firm tofu , cut into strips
1 can bamboo shoot strips , drained
1 cup bean sprouts
2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons mirin ( Japanese sweet wine )
2 green onions , thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro , leaves picked from stems
1 egg , beaten
Hot and Sour Soup with Bean Sprouts is a classic Chinese soup that can be found in Chinese restaurants all over the world. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a chilly day, and is often served alongside other dishes to create a well-rounded meal. The soup gets its name from the combination of hot spices and sour flavors used to create the broth, which is then filled with hearty ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bean sprouts. This soup is flavorful, filling, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

1.In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth, garlic, and ginger to a boil over medium-high heat.
2.Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, serrano pepper, and bamboo shoots and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3.Add the tofu strips, bean sprouts, tamari, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and black pepper to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes.
4.In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and mirin until a smooth mixture forms.
5.Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring constantly until the soup starts to thicken.
6.Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to low.
7.Whisk the beaten egg in a small bowl, and slowly pour the egg into the soup while stirring constantly to create egg ribbons.
8.Stir in the thinly sliced green onions and cilantro, and serve hot.

PROS

This soup is warming and filling, making it a great meal on a chilly day.

It is also vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting the egg.

CONS

The soup does contain high levels of sodium, which may cause problems for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Additionally, some people may not enjoy the texture of the tofu or the sliminess of the bamboo shoots.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Hot and sour soup is known to have several health benefits.
The shiitake mushrooms in this soup contain beta-glucans, which can help support the immune system.
The garlic and ginger are both anti-inflammatory and may help relieve symptoms of arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Finally, the bean sprouts in this soup are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K.

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