Consisting of bold flavours and aromatic spices, hot and sour soup is considered one of the signature dishes in Chinese cuisine. It has a lengthy history of being known for the proper balance of heat and tanginess. This soup has become comforting and refreshing, and it is usually served as an appetiser or a light meal. This soup was traditionally cooked with a rich flavour base of chicken or vegetable stock. Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper are added to give it a spicy and sour profile. The height of the heat level was, of course, left to personal preferences and would usually be boosted with sliced bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and tofu for texture and richness. Enjoy this delicious hot and sour soup recipe. Its texture is silky smooth, often requiring a cornstarch slurry to be added to thicken the broth to good consistency, and that thickening agent makes the flavours cling wonderfully to each piece of vegetable added in hot and sour soup. Here is a simple recipe for hot and sour soup. Typically finished with garnishes of fresh scallions and sometimes an egg dropped in for added richness, hot and sour soup is a feast to the eyes and the palate. The colours of the vegetables shine brightly against the background of steam rising from the bowl, making it such a very inviting dish. It could be enjoyed on a tiring day or just as part of a larger meal. It would give you a dose of warmth and incredibly complex flavour. It comes together in warm spices and tart acidity that satisfies every spoonful.

• 3 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup onions
• 1/4th cup carrots
• 1/4th cup cabbage
• 1/4th cup capsicum
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp red chilli sauce
• 1 tsp green chilli sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1 egg
• Spring onions

• A bowl of Hot and Sour Soup is the ultimate comfort, especially when you're craving something spicy, tangy, and warming.
• This flavorful Asian-inspired soup is packed with veggies and a punch of spice, making it ideal for chilly days.
• Let's dive in, starting with a simple preparation step: in a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and set it aside.
• This mixture will be used as a thickener to give the soup a delightful, velvety consistency.
• It helps all those flavors stick to the vegetables and adds a smooth texture to each spoonful.
• To start cooking, take a large pot and heat it over medium flame with one tablespoon of oil.
• Once the oil is warm, add your finely chopped vegetables to the pot, starting with 1/2 cup of chopped onions, which create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Next, add ¼ cup each of finely chopped carrots, cabbage, and capsicum.
• Stir these veggies for 3-4 minutes, letting them soften slightly while releasing a pleasant aroma.
• Their vibrant colors make the soup look appetizing and provide an excellent range of nutrients.
• Once the vegetables are partially cooked, it's time to add some liquid.
• Pour in 1 litre of vegetable stock or water, stirring it gently.
• The boiling stock will draw flavors from the saut ed vegetables, creating a delicious broth that fills your kitchen with a delightful, savory aroma.
• As the stock comes to a boil, take your cornstarch mixture, give it a quick stir to avoid any settling, and pour it into the pot slowly while stirring the soup.
• This will thicken the soup, giving it that smooth, luscious texture that's just perfect for hot and sour soup.
• Now it's time to bring in the bold flavors that define hot and sour soup.
• Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of red chili sauce, and 1 teaspoon of green chili sauce.
• These ingredients add a wonderful tang and spice to the soup, making it deeply savory and slightly spicy.
• Let the soup simmer for about 5-6 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully together into a warm, harmonious mix.
• As the soup simmers, taste it and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a little extra chili sauce at this stage to make the flavor profile perfect for you.
• Personalizing the spice level makes the soup truly yours, satisfying any craving for heat or tang.
• For the finishing touch, whisk one egg in a small bowl.
• Slowly pour the beaten egg into the simmering soup, stirring constantly.
• This will create delicate egg ribbons that add a lovely texture, rich flavor, and extra protein to the soup.
• These tender egg swirls make the soup look beautiful and enhance its creaminess.
• Finally, garnish the soup with freshly chopped spring onions, which add a refreshing crunch and a vibrant pop of color.
• Serve this recipe of hot and sour soup immediately to enjoy it at its best, warm and full of deep, balanced flavors.
• This hearty soup is easy to make yet brimming with exciting flavors, a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory in every spoonful.
• You can also customize it with mushrooms, tofu, or bamboo shoots if you like. Bon appetit!