Happy Friday, and welcome back for another exciting recipe on the blog! Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite soup recipes. Earlier this week, I shared an evidence-based nutrition guide, Staying Healthy: Cold & Flu Season where I discussed some of the food items you can add to your diet to help yourself and your family stay healthy during this cold and flu season. I also shared my Immunity Support Chicken Stock Recipe , which I'll be using in today's recipe. This recipe is a wholesome and nourishing twist on the classic hot and sour soup commonly found in Chinese takeout. It's honestly my favorite soup to make at home, and you can find an authentic version here HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Inspired by the famous soup, this base can be a great way to incorporate healthy protein and loads of fiber into your diet!
Why You Should Try This Hot & Sour Chicken Soup?
Versatile and Adaptable for Nutritional Needs
This Hot & Sour Chicken Soup is highly adaptable to cater to various dietary preferences and nutritional needs. Whether you opt for chicken, beef bones, or a plant-based approach with vegetables, the versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it according to your requirements. It's an excellent way to incorporate essential nutrients into your diet without compromising on taste.
Ideal for Nutrient-Packed Batches
Prepare this Hot & Sour Chicken Soup in batches to make the most of its nutrient-rich ingredients. Whether you're focusing on your health goals or simply seeking a comforting, nourishing meal, this soup is the perfect choice!
Functional Ingredients for Optimal Health
This Hot & Sour Chicken Soup is carefully crafted with functional ingredients known for their potential health benefits. Ingredients found in the stock like ginger, turmeric, and garlic are not only chosen for their incredible flavors but also for their notable health-promoting properties. Ginger offers anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is rich in powerful antioxidants, and garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting properties.
Ingredients:
1 whole shredded chicken
3 cups White mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup Portcini mushrooms, dried
1 cup baby corn, sliced
1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
1 hot pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce. This is my favorite one
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup rice vinegar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Here are some ingredient substitutions for the Hot and Sour Chicken Soup recipe:
Chicken Stock:
Substitute with vegetable stock or mushroom broth for a vegetarian version.
Shredded Chicken:
Swap with shredded tofu or cooked shrimp for a different protein source.
White Mushrooms and Portcini Mushrooms:
Any variety of mushrooms can be used based on your preference or availability.
Baby Corn and Bamboo Shoots:
Use water chestnuts or thinly sliced carrots for a similar crunchy texture.
This is the Instant Pot I used:
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Shred the chicken.
Prep the mushrooms, baby corn, bamboo shoots, hot pepper, and green onions.
Rehydrate dried mushrooms with boiling water for 15 min, strain and use the water in the soup for added flavor.
Instant Pot Cooking:
Place the shredded chicken, mushrooms, baby corn, bamboo shoots, and hot pepper in the Instant Pot.
Add the Chicken Stock:
Pour in the 6 cups of prepared Immunity Support Chicken Stock.
Season the Soup:
Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, and 1/4 cup rice vinegar for flavor.
Thicken the Soup:
In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Pour it into the soup to thicken.
Egg Swirl:
Beat an egg and slowly pour it into the soup while gently stirring.
Finishing Touches:
Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowl, garnish with fresh green onions & cilantro, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Benefits:
Whole Chicken: Rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (B-complex vitamins, especially B12), and minerals like zinc and iron.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger can aid in reducing nausea and improving digestion.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound that may help with joint health and overall inflammation.
Black Pepper: Enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric due to its active compound, piperine.
Carrots: High in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber, promoting eye health and supporting the immune system.
Onion and Garlic: Both are rich in antioxidants and have potential immune-boosting properties.
Oregano and Bay Leaves: Add flavor and may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Lemon: Provides vitamin C, antioxidants, and adds a burst of citrus flavor to the stock.
I also shared my recipe for homemade Bone Broth:
Fall Inspired Recipes:
