How to Make Veg Hot and Sour Soup

Veg hot and sour soup is a delicious and comforting dish that perfectly balances spicy and tangy flavors. This popular Chinese soup can easily be made at home with fresh vegetables and a few key ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this flavorful soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, julienned
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, julienned (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Thickening Agent:

• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup water

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons spring onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Wash and finely chop all the vegetables. Make sure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.

1. Make the Soup Base:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Add the carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

1. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
• Add soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

1. Thicken the Soup:

• In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with water to make a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps.
• Gradually add the slurry to the boiling soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The soup will start to thicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

1. Adjust the Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce or chili sauce if you prefer a stronger flavor.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Turn off the heat and garnish the soup with chopped spring onions and cilantro.
• Serve hot and enjoy your homemade veg hot and sour soup!

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add baby corn, tofu, or bean sprouts for added texture and flavor.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of green chili and chili sauce to control the spiciness of the soup.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornflour slurry. For a thinner consistency, reduce the amount of slurry.

Enjoy this delicious and warming veg hot and sour soup as a starter or a light meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a flavorful broth that is both satisfying and nourishing.