Craving a flavorful and warming soup that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This vegan hot and sour soup recipe delivers a delicious explosion of tangy, spicy, and savory notes, perfect for a healthy and easy weeknight meal. It's packed with fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors, making it a fantastic option for anyone seeking delicious and healthy food recipes. Forget takeout; this homemade version is surprisingly simple to create and far healthier than restaurant options.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Gather these ingredients for a truly authentic taste:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or shiitake recommended)
- 1 cup finely chopped bok choy
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup silken tofu, crumbled
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Effortless Cooking
Let's dive into creating this amazing vegan hot and sour soup!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the mushrooms, bok choy, and carrots to the pot. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the crumbled tofu and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Tips for Soup Perfection
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level. For a milder soup, start with less and add more gradually.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or snow peas would be delicious additions.
- Tofu Alternative: If you don't have silken tofu, you can omit it or use a different type of tofu, such as firm or extra-firm (crumbled).
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hot and sour soup as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a delicious appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
This quick dinner idea is not only tasty but also a healthy option! The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
This delicious and easy hot and sour soup recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Enjoy this homemade culinary masterpiece! It's sure to become one of your best recipes!