🍲 Almost-Instant, Low-Carb, High-Protein Hot & Sour Soup 🍲
Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. This almost-instant version is not only delicious but also low in carbs and high in protein, making it a healthy and satisfying option for a quick meal. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
📜 History:
Hot and sour soup is believed to have originated in China, specifically in the Sichuan province. It has a long history dating back over a thousand years. The soup’s flavor profile, featuring a balance of heat and tanginess, reflects the traditional Chinese culinary principle of balancing Yin and Yang. Over time, it has become a staple in Chinese cuisine and has also gained popularity in various Asian cuisines and worldwide.
🥣 Components:
Here are the key components you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of thinly sliced bamboo shoots
- 1/4 cup of diced tofu
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients: Slice the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, ginger, and garlic. Beat the egg and chop the green onions.
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Simmer Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.
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Add Ingredients: Add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the simmering broth. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
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Season the Soup: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the soup while stirring continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.
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Add the Egg: While stirring the soup gently in one direction, slowly pour in the beaten egg. This will create beautiful egg ribbons in the soup.
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Serve: Ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
⏰ Preparation Time:
This almost-instant hot and sour soup can be ready in about 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your steaming bowl of low-carb, high-protein hot and sour soup! 🍜🔥😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for a serving of hot and sour soup prepared using the provided recipe:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (varies based on ingredients and portion size).
- Protein: About 8-12 grams per serving (depending on tofu and broth used).
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15 grams per serving (mainly from vegetables and tofu).
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams per serving (from vegetables).
- Fat: 5-7 grams per serving (varies based on tofu and cooking methods).
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams per serving (may vary based on broth and soy sauce).
- Vitamins and Minerals: The soup is a good source of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins. It also provides minerals like potassium and calcium from the vegetables and tofu.
Health Information:
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Protein: The tofu in the soup provides a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
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Low-Carb: This soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets. It’s a good option if you’re watching your carb intake.
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High-Fiber: The inclusion of vegetables like mushrooms and bamboo shoots adds dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This soup is generally low in saturated fats, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and soy sauce or adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables in the soup provides a range of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Please note that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check product labels and consider your dietary needs when preparing and consuming this soup.
