I took some time last night to make one of my favorites, hot and sour soup. The key to a good hot and sour soup is finding the dry ingredients. I went to two different Asian markets yesterday on the way home from work looking for 1) Tiger lily buds, 2) dried shitake mushrooms, and 3) Black tree fungus. Found shitakes and the tree fungus, but no tiger lily buds. I don't always add a meat but this time I used some thinly sliced pork cutlets. Marinated in some soy, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sriracha, then sauteed. While that was going I put my dried stuff in boiling water and let hydrate for an hour. I added a generous amount of chicken and vegetable stock.to my pork Got that boiling then reduced to a simmer and added sliced green onions, cilantro, the reconstituted shrooms and tree fungus, cubed extra-firm tofu, bamboo shoots, fresh bean sprouts, a cup of black vinegar, 1/2 cup of fish sauce, some chili crisp, white pepper. Brought it back to a boil and then simmered for 20 minutes.
I just love the combination of salty, vinagery, spicy, and umami, and it's a pretty healthy meal setting aside the salt content. It will be even better today.