Hot and Sour Soup (Chinese)6 cups fresh or canned chicken stock 1/2 cup thinly sliced bok choy or Napa cabbage 1 cup thinly sliced shitake, cloud ear, or other mushrooms 3 scallions (green onions, spring onions), green and white parts, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste 2 tablespoons finely chopped ginger root 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons water 6 to 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into thin strips 3/4 cup white vinegar, or to taste 2 teaspoons freshly-ground black pepper, or to taste 2 eggs, lightly beaten, or equivalent amount egg substitute 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan and add the bok choy or cabbage, mushrooms, scallions, soy sauce, and ginger root. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the broth when it returns to the boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Add the tofu, vinegar, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup, stirring gently. Remove from the heat, add the sesame oil, and serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.
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