Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

Pretty flexible with what is in the fridge. Recipe is a little light on vinegar for those who prefer it that way. Add more to your taste. I do. You can dress the presentation with some green onion. The recipe is easily halved. Serves: 16 Keeps well 3-4 days but mellows and needs an infusion of heat and sour.

2 49 1/2-ounce cans "Swanson's Broth: Chicken 1/3 Less Sodium, No Fat"
20 ounces chicken breasts
4 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch (I prefer tapioca)
1 pound firm tofu cut into small cubes or chunks
1/2 pound mushrooms
1 1/3 ounces mushroom dried black (dried black fungus) soak in water one hour to soften
4 tablespoons soy sauce
5 tablespoons vinegar or more to taste.
2 teaspoons fresh or ground ginger 2 teaspoons black pepper or 4 dried chili peppers or similar
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 cups fresh bean sprouts or one 14 ounce can.
4 ounces julienned snow peas
4 ounces julienned bamboo shoots
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Nuke or G. Forman the chicken breasts and dice to 1/2 inch cube.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup chicken broth and the cornstarch; mix well and set aside.
In a soup pot, combine the remaining chicken broth, the tofu, chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and pepper; mix well and bring just to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cornstarch mixture until thickened.
Slowly stir in the beaten egg to form egg strands.
Add the bean sprouts, pea pods and bamboo shoots. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Add the sesame oil; mix well and serve. Dress with some green onion, if desired.

Note for diabetics: Carb count is very low, even with two bowls full. Serve with a roll, bread or crackers to prevent a low sugar condition.

NUTRITION FACTS Amount Per Serving Calories 75 Calories from Fat 15 % Daily Value* Total Fat 3g 4% Saturated Fat 0g 2% Cholesterol 25mg 8% Sodium 715mg 30% Total Carbohydrate 5g 2% Dietary Fiber 0g 1% Sugars 2g Protein 7g Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 16% Calcium 6% Iron 3% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.