HOT AND SOUR SOUP (VEG)

Hot and sour soup can also be made as a vegetarian dish by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat component. The soup is made with a combination of vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, and is seasoned with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper to give it a spicy kick.

To make hot and sour soup, vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and cabbage are first sautéed in a wok or large pot with ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. Tofu is often used as the protein source in the vegetarian version of the soup.

Once the vegetables and tofu are cooked, vegetable broth is added to the pot along with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper to create the hot and sour flavor. The soup is thickened with cornstarch or other starches such as potato or rice flour, and beaten eggs are added to the soup to create thin strands.

Additional seasonings such as sesame oil, white pepper, and green onions are added to the soup for added flavor and aroma. The soup is typically garnished with cilantro and served hot.

Vegetarian hot and sour soup is a popular appetizer in Chinese restaurants and is loved for its bold and complex flavor profile. The combination of tangy vinegar, spicy chili, and savory soy sauce create a unique and satisfying flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.