Ingredients

• 1/2 lb - fine chicken
• 2 cups - chicken broth
• 1 can - straw mushrooms, drained
• 1 small can bamboo shoots, drained
• 2 small blocks - plain firm tofu
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp - grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves - minced garlic
• 2 tbsp - chopped green onion
• 2 tsp - cider vinegar
• White pepper
• Dark soya sauce
• 2 tsp - cornstarch
• 1 tbsp - cold water, sesame oil
• Vegetable oil

How to Make Plain Hot and Sour Soup

• Heat a wok or skillet.
• Add a small bit of oil.
• Cook meat in hot oil.
• Drain and set aside.
• Re-heat wok, add 1 tbsp of oil.
• Season with ginger and garlic, stirring well.
• Add broth, add bamboo and tofu, which should be cut into small pieces.
• Bring to a boil.
• Flavor soup with vinegar (gives you the sour flavour) and white pepper (gives you the hot flavour).
• Add enough soya sauce to get a nice brown color.
• Flavor with salt.
• Mix corn starch and water.
• Bring soup to a boil again and slowly pour in corn starch.
• Stir until the soup becomes creamy, using a circular motion, slowly and evenly pour in beaten eggs.
• Do not stir again until the egg comes to the surface.
• Add a small amount of sesame oil for extra flavor and added color.
• Add mushrooms and onion, heat and serve.