Hot and Sour Tofu Soup

Submitted by Hadice

"Vegetarian version of the Chinese favorite. Many thin tofu is bland, but it actually takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked in. In this case it happens to be soy, vinegar and pepper flakes."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3⁄4 cup red bell pepper, cut into julienne strips
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped green onions
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1⁄2 lb snow peas (fresh or frozen) (optional)
• 1 lb firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• salt and pepper

directions

1. Heat the oil in a soup kettle and saute the green onions and bell peppers together until tender.
2. Add water, vegetable stock, and soy sauce.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover lightly, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Blend cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water.
5. In a bowl, blend the vinegar, pepper flakes, cornstarch blend, and sesame oil.
6. Stir into the hot soup until incorporated, and then add the tofu, snow peas, and water chestnuts.
7. Again cover, and cook for about 5 minutes or until thick and bubbly.
8. Turn off the heat.
9. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately.

Reviews

[kelly in TO]

I thought this was alright, perfectly fine for a healthy lunch maybe with some toast. I imagine the flavors will be fuller once frozen and reheated which I look forward to.

 

[dicentra]

This was just what I needed. I omitted the red bell pepper and added a couple kinds of dried mushrooms. After reading some of the other reviews I also added less tofu. Very nice comforting soup.

 

[piranhabriana]

As a tofu newbie I really enjoyed this. I think for other newbies the tofu should be cut up a little smaller or possibly grated. Delicious flavor!

 

[mmm...donuts]

I LOVED this soup. I'm made it as written, although I did add a handfull of dried shitake mushrooms, because I had them on hand. Next time, and, oh yes, there WILL be a next time, I will cut down on the tofu (there's a LOT of tofu). I'll probably also add some thinly sliced bamboo shoots. Thanks for posting. This is definitely a keeper!

 

[VegBear]

This was great and easy. I private chef and my client said "I especially enjoyed the Hot and Sour for its texture and flavour.This upcoming week I'd love a repeat on the Hot and Sour."