Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a popular Indo-Chinese starter, known for its bold flavors that balance spiciness and tanginess. Packed with vegetables and seasoned with sauces, it’s a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or as a light appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons corn flour (corn starch)
• 1 tablespoon soya sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons capsicum, chopped
• 2 tablespoons spring onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons carrots, chopped
• 1/4 cup cabbage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• A pinch of ajinomoto (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • In a saucepan, mix 4 cups of water with chili sauce, soya sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper powder, and ajinomoto.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped capsicum, carrots, cabbage, and spring onions (reserve some for garnish if desired).
   • Cook on medium heat for about a minute.

3. Thicken the Soup:

   • Dissolve corn flour in 1/2 cup water.
   • Add this slurry to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Cook until the soup thickens slightly.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Simmer for another minute.
   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra spring onions if desired.

Note: Prepare the soup just before serving, as it loses its fresh flavor and texture if stored for long.

Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful starter that pairs perfectly with Fried Rice or noodles for a complete Indo-Chinese meal.