Hot and Sour Soup I

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe from Egypt and Thailand

Region / culture: Egypt, Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hot and sour soup is a popular Asian dish known for its spicy and tangy flavors. This soup is a perfect balance of heat from chilies and sourness from lime juice, making it a comforting and flavorful meal.

History

Hot and sour soup originated in China and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have been created during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and has since spread to other Asian countries, each adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

15 liters (27 pt) of chicken stock
2 tbsp of dried lemon grass
1 tbsp of grated lime rind
salt to taste
3 tbsp of lime juice
0.25 tsp of chile paste
0.25 tsp of sugar
0.5 x 425 g (15 oz) can of straw mushrooms, drained
125 g (4 oz) of bean sprouts
1 bunch of thinly sliced spring onions
250 g (8 oz) of defrosted frozen prawns
2 small red chiles, seeded and thinly sliced
3 tbsp of coriander leaves

How to prepare

In a large pan, combine the stock, lemon grass, and lime rind. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Strain the stock and return it to the pan. Season with salt, then add the lime juice, chili paste, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Next, add the mushrooms, bean sprouts, and spring onions to the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
Finally, add the prawns to the pan and simmer for a few seconds to heat them through.
Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnished with chili slices and coriander leaves.

Variations

Add tofu for a vegetarian version.
Use chicken or pork instead of prawns.
Add bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste and lime juice to suit your taste preferences.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the prawns.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot and sour soup as a starter or as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to develop.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh lemon grass instead of dried.

- Substitute lime rind with lemon zest.

- Use fresh mushrooms instead of canned.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh coriander leaves and sliced red chilies for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot and sour soup pairs well with steamed dumplings or stir-fried vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Hot and sour soup is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot and sour soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make at home. With its bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this soup as a starter or as a main dish for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Hot and Sour Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished picking up some groceries from the local market. As I was walking back home, I happened to pass by a small Chinese restaurant that I had never noticed before.

The enticing smell of spices and herbs wafted out from the restaurant, beckoning me to come inside. Curious, I decided to step in and see what all the fuss was about. The interior was cozy and inviting, with red lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the sound of sizzling woks coming from the kitchen.

I settled down at a table near the window and perused the menu, my eyes scanning over the various dishes listed. That's when I saw it - Hot and Sour Soup. Something about the name intrigued me, and I decided to give it a try.

When the steaming bowl of soup arrived at my table, I took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded in my mouth - tangy vinegar, earthy mushrooms, spicy pepper - it was a symphony of tastes that I had never experienced before. I was hooked.

I asked the waiter for the recipe, but he just smiled and shook his head. "Sorry, ma'am, that's a family secret," he said with a wink.

Undeterred, I made it my mission to recreate that delicious soup in my own kitchen. I started by asking friends and acquaintances if they knew how to make Hot and Sour Soup, but no one seemed to have the exact recipe. So, I turned to the internet, scouring through countless websites and forums in search of a recipe that matched the flavors of that fateful bowl of soup.

After weeks of trial and error, I finally stumbled upon a blog written by a talented home cook who claimed to have perfected the recipe for Hot and Sour Soup. I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, jotting down notes and making mental adjustments based on my own taste preferences.

Armed with a shopping list, I headed back to the market, picking up all the necessary ingredients for my culinary experiment. Back home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, chopping vegetables, simmering broth, and stirring in the perfect balance of seasonings.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would it taste as good as the soup from that little Chinese restaurant? Would I finally be able to recreate that magical moment when flavors danced on my taste buds?

Finally, it was time to ladle out a steaming bowl of my homemade Hot and Sour Soup. I took a deep breath and brought the spoon to my lips, my heart pounding in anticipation. And then, that first taste transported me back to that cozy restaurant, with the red lanterns swaying gently overhead.

The soup was perfect - tangy, spicy, and full of umami goodness. I couldn't believe it - I had done it! I had cracked the code and unlocked the secret to making Hot and Sour Soup just like the one that had captured my heart.

Since that day, Hot and Sour Soup has become a staple in my kitchen. I've shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this beloved dish. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of that chilly autumn day when I stumbled upon the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

And so, dear reader, if you ever find yourself craving a bowl of comforting, flavorful soup, look no further than this recipe for Hot and Sour Soup. May it warm your soul as it has warmed mine, and may it inspire you to embark on your own culinary adventures in search of that perfect bite. Bon appétit!