Winter Special Hot and Sour Chicken Soup Recipe

 

Warm up this winter with a delightful bowl of Hot and Sour Chicken Soup, a dish that brings the essence of restaurant dining right to your kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet exquisite recipe that elevates your meal experience without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this flavorful soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 300 grams chicken (a mix of bone-in and boneless)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 liter water
• 2-3 garlic cloves (crushed)
• White part of green onions (chopped)
• 1 medium carrot (finely chopped)
• ½ cup cabbage (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped, added later)
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• 4 tablespoons cornflour (for thickening)
• Egg whites (from 1-2 eggs)

Preparing the Chicken Stock

1. Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add 300 grams of chicken to the oil and sauté for 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess blood, ensuring a cleaner stock.
3. Add Water and Aromatics: Pour in 1 liter of water, and add garlic and the white part of green onions. Cover the pan to bring it to a boil.
4. Skim the Foam: Once boiling, skim off any foam that forms on the surface. This will keep your stock clear and flavorful.
5. Simmer: Cover the pan and let it simmer on low-medium heat for 20-25 minutes.

Creating the Soup Base

1. Separate the Ingredients: After simmering, remove the chicken pieces, green onions, and garlic from the stock.
2. Shred the Chicken: Shred the boneless chicken, discarding the bones.
3. Add Vegetables: In the same stock, add finely chopped carrots and cabbage. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Season the Soup: Add vinegar, chili sauce, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce. Stir well.

Adding Flavor and Thickness

1. Incorporate Spices: Add salt, crushed black pepper, and white pepper to taste.
2. Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the chopped bell pepper towards the end of cooking for freshness.
3. Thicken the Soup: Mix 4 tablespoons of cornflour with a little water to make a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering soup, stirring continuously until it thickens.

Final Touches

1. Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites in a bowl. Slowly drizzle them into the soup while stirring gently. This gives the soup a restaurant-style finish.
2. Cook for Additional Minutes: Let the soup cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot and sour soup in bowls, garnished with boiled egg chunks and a sprinkle of chat masala for an extra flavor boost. It makes a perfect starter for any meal or a cozy dinner on its own.

Conclusion

This authentic Hot and Sour Chicken Soup not only warms the body but also delights the taste buds with its robust flavors. Try this recipe at home and impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Remember, the key to a great soup lies in the balance of flavors and the care you put into each step. Happy cooking!