Hot & Sour Soup

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water

• 2.5 tbsp bouillon

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp chili flakes

• 2 tsp white pepper

• 2 tsp mushroom or dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (mixture of hydrated shitake and wood ear)

• 7oz long thinly sliced tofu

• 5 oz bamboo strips

• 1/2 cup chinking vinegar

• 1/3 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 egg beaten

• green onions for topping

Instructions:

• Add water and bullion and bring to a boil.

• Add the salt, sugar, dried chili flakes, white pepper, both soy sauces and sesame oil.

• Add mushrooms and bamboo. Bring to a boil. Add tofu and vinegar and bring to a simmer.

• Combine the ⅓ cup cornstarch with ¼ cup water to make a slurry. Use one hand to stir the soup while drizzling in the slurry. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Add more white pepper, soy sauce, or vinegar to suit your palate.

• Keep the soup simmering and use one hand to stir the soup while the other drizzles in the beaten egg.

• Serve hot and garnished with chopped green onions.