Spicy and Sour Soup

All soups consumed by my family are usually served hot which is temperature and when this soup appears in any menu as Hot and Sour, i expect Hot meant spicy.. So when i make this soup, it is spicy and when i read that this Soup is reputed to be good for colds , i was amazed because every time i have a cold it all started from a sore throat and anything spicy is no no. Then again, if omit the chilli oil and keep soup at temperature Hot would certainly do the cold alot of good.



Ingredients:

1 cake silkin tofu - cut into small strips
1/2 cup bamboo shoots julienned
2 tsp julienned black fungus (Wood Ear) - soak
3 - 4 Chinese dry mushrooms - soak, remove stems and cut into strips
2 tsp of julienced Char Choy
2 ounces pork tenderloin, julienned

Marinade:

1 tsp soya sauce
1 tsp tapioca starch
1/2 tsp sesame oil

6 cups water (or 5 cups water and 1 cup chicken broth)

(I)

1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp soya sauce
2 Tbsp red rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp of chilli oil


1 egg - beaten lightly



Garnishes:
2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
1 Tbsp finely chopped ginger
pepper to taste

Thickening mixture:
1 Tbsp cornflour (it is more stable than tapioca flour)
1/4 cup water


Method:

1. Boil broth/water. When it is boiling add the char choy, mushrooms and wood ear. Simmer until char choy releases its flavor.

2. Add the tofu and when the broth comes back to the boili add the marinated pork. Add the remaining ingredients in (I).

3. Beat the egg well. Set aside. Test the broth and adjust the taste if desired. (If using chicken broth, you may want to add a bit more rice vinegar).

3.. Mix the cornflour and water. Slowly pour the cornflour mixture into the soup, stirring while it is being added. Test the broth and adjust the taste if desired. (If using chicken broth, you may want to add a bit more rice vinegar). Let the broth come back to a boil. As soon as it is boiling, remove the broth from the stove.

4. Slowly drop in the beaten egg, stirring in one direction at the same time.

5. Add garnishes and serve hot.



Serves