Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients:
1 8 oz can bamboo shoots
1 bunch green onions (about 5-6)
1 pkg extra firm tofu
1 15 oz can straw mushrooms
2 qts vegetable stock
2 T Chinese black vinegar
1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp salt or soy sauce
1 8 oz pkg cellophone or bean thread noodles
Instructions:
1. Cut the bamboo shoots into matchstick-sized pieces, diagonally slice the green onions, dice the tofu into 1/4" cubes and drain the mushrooms.
2. Heat the stock and add the vinegar, Pepper and soy or salt. Bring to a boil. Then add the noodles, tofu, bamboo shoots and mushrooms and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Serve in bowls sprinkled with the green onions.
*The hot and sour can be adjusted to your own taste by adjusting the vinegar and soy up or down for the sour, and you can add more pepper for a higher heat level. White pepper is traditional for Hot and Sour Soup, but the flavor of the freshly ground black pepper brings a nice flavor to the mix. If you like a thicker soup, feel free to thicken with arrowroot or cornstarch.