Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved restaurant-style dish from Indo-Chinese cuisine. As its name implies, this soup combines spicy heat from chili sauce and black pepper powder with tangy sourness from vinegar, creating a delightful flavor profile. It’s often served as an appetizer before the main course and can be easily prepared in less than 15-20 minutes once the vegetables are chopped. Follow the step-by-step recipe below to make this flavorful Hot and Sour Soup.
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped Ginger
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped Garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped Celery (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Cabbage
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped Green French Beans
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped Carrot
- 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped Capsicum (Green Pepper)
- 2 cups + 1/4 cup Vegetable Stock or Water
- 5 teaspoons Cornflour (corn starch)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon Chili Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Vinegar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Directions:
Step 1:
Finely chop all the vegetables listed in the ingredients table (cabbage, green beans, carrot, capsicum). Dissolve 5 teaspoons of cornflour (corn starch) in 1/4 cup of water.
Step 2:
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a deep pot or kadai over medium flame. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Step 3:
Add 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Step 4:
Add the finely chopped vegetables (1/4 cup cabbage, 2-3 tablespoons green beans, 2-3 tablespoons carrot, 2-3 tablespoons capsicum). Sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 5:
Add 2 cups of water or vegetable stock. Add salt to taste (be cautious if using vegetable stock as it may already contain salt).
Step 6:
Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon chili sauce. Mix well.
Step 7:
Add the dissolved cornflour-water mixture. Mix well. Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder. Simmer the soup for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 8:
Add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar and mix well. Turn off the flame. Hot and Sour Soup is ready for serving. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Customize the vegetables according to your preference and availability. Mushrooms, bean sprouts, and tofu can also be added.
- Adjust the amount of cornflour to achieve your desired thickness. More cornflour will result in a thicker soup, while less will yield a thinner consistency.
- To reduce spiciness, decrease the quantity of chili sauce and black pepper powder.
Taste: Spicy and mildly sour
Serving Ideas: Serve Hot and Sour Soup as a starter or appetizer alongside Indo-Chinese dishes like vegetable Hakka noodles and Gobi Manchurian.
Conclusion:
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is a beloved Indo-Chinese dish cherished for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal, this soup is versatile and easy to customize according to personal taste preferences. By following the simple recipe and adjusting the seasonings to your liking, you can create a delicious Hot and Sour Soup that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
FAQs about Hot and Sour Soup Recipe:
What is Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot and Sour Soup is a popular dish from Indo-Chinese cuisine known for its spicy and tangy flavor profile. It is made with a combination of vegetables, chili sauce, black pepper powder, vinegar, and other seasonings, resulting in a delightful balance of heat and sourness.
Is Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?
Yes, the traditional recipe for Hot and Sour Soup is vegetarian as it primarily contains vegetables and vegetable stock. However, variations may include meat or seafood, so it’s essential to check the specific recipe if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How spicy is Hot and Sour Soup?
The spiciness of Hot and Sour Soup can vary depending on personal preference and the amount of chili sauce and black pepper powder used. Generally, it has a moderate level of spiciness, but you can adjust the heat according to your taste by altering the quantities of these ingredients.
Can I make Hot and Sour Soup in advance?
While Hot and Sour Soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply heat the soup base and add the vegetables and seasonings for a quick and convenient meal.
Is Hot and Sour Soup healthy?
Hot and Sour Soup can be a nutritious option, especially when loaded with vegetables. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the veggies while offering a flavorful and satisfying dish. However, be mindful of the sodium content if using store-bought vegetable stock or sauces.
