Hot and Sour Soup

For anyone who loves soups, there is one name, besides the famous Tomato Soup, which would surely go into their favourites for its unique smell, taste and flavor, and that is undoubtedly, the Hot and Sour Soup. This soy-sauce based chinese soup has the right blend of sourness and chili, providing a spicy kick which is offset by a bit of sugar that the recipe demands, and also the use of veggies and spring onions. Made of simple ingredients, this soup does not take a lot of your time, and is great for people suffering from cold. The use of pepper and ginger help in controlling appetite, and the taste is just too good for your tongue and will continue to linger in your mind even after you have finished the entire bowl!! I have indianised the traditional chinese recipe a bit to suit my palette, but basically, feel free to use your choice of vegetables so it works best for you.

Ingredients
2 tbsp Chili Sauce
11/2 tbsp Corn Flour / Corn Starch
1-1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Vinegar
2 tbsp Capsicum - chopped
2 tbsp Spring Onions - chopped
2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
2 tbsp Carrots - chopped or grated
1/4 cup Cabbage - chopped finely
1/4 cup soft tofu or paneer - cut into small cubes (optional)
1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
1-1/2 tsp fresh grated Ginger
1/2 tsp Sugar
Salt to taste
4 cups Water

Method
Mix 4 cups of water, chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, ginger and pepper powder and bring the mixture to a boil. Now add all the chopped vegetables into the soup, except tofu or paneer. Cook for a minute on medium heat. Dissolve corn starch in 1/2 cup water and add to the soup stirring constantly till it becomes thick. Cook again for a few mins then remove from flame. Add the cubed tofu or paneer and transfer to a serving bowl.

Garnish with some more green onion and serve hot!! This spicy tongue-tingler Hot ans Sout chinese-style soup is on its way to Holler's edition of Spicy Soups event!

Tip: This soup should be prepared just before serving as it tastes best when fresh; you can prepare the stock and keep, but boil it again and add the veggies before serving it, else you won't enjoy the same taste! You can also throw in peas, baby corn or other veggies of your choice.