Check out this Chinese vegan hot and sour soup recipe
Chinese hot and sour soup is a classic dish beloved for its bold flavors, combining spicy heat with a tangy sharpness. Originating from the regions of China, this soup has been adapted worldwide with various versions. Traditionally made with a variety of ingredients including meat and eggs, our version is completely vegan and eggless, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For vegan hot and sour soup, gather five cups vegetable broth, one tablespoon olive oil, two minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon grated ginger, 100 grams shiitake mushrooms, one-half cup bamboo shoots, one-half cup firm tofu, three tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, two tablespoons rice vinegar, one teaspoon chili sauce, one teaspoon white pepper, and two tablespoons cornstarch with water. Garnish with onions and cilantro.
Prepare the base
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, sauteing for about two minutes until they emit a fragrant aroma without browning. This crucial step establishes the foundational flavors for our soup, ensuring a rich and aromatic base that will enhance the overall taste and complexity of the dish.
Add vegetables and seasonings
To the pot, add sliced shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Stir well to combine them with the garlic-ginger mix. Cook for about five minutes until the mushrooms start to soften. Then pour in soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, chili sauce according to your spice preference, ground white pepper. Mix everything well ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
Incorporate broth and thicken
Add vegetable broth to your pot and bring it to a simmer. Gently add cubed tofu, letting it cook on low heat for 10 minutes to absorb flavors. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the soup. Continue stirring until slightly thickened, about two to three minutes, then turn off the heat to prevent over-thickening.
Garnish and serve
Ladle the hot sour vegan soup into bowls, garnishing each with chopped green onions and cilantro just before serving. This ensures the fresh colors contrast beautifully with the rich soup, making each bowl as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy these steaming bowls of comfort anytime, especially during colder months when you crave something spicy, tangy, and nourishing.
