Homemade Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, drained
• 1/2 cup julienned red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup julienned carrots
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the chicken broth, vinegar, soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bell pepper, and carrots. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring constantly until the soup thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the cilantro, sesame oil, and scallions. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Hot and sour soup is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine.
• The soup is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China.
• The soup is traditionally served with fried dough sticks or boiled rice.
• The soup can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, beef, tofu, and vegetables.