Hot and Sour Tofu Soup

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: 30 mins
• 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.