Hot-and-Sour Asian Vegetable Soup

Name: Hot-and-Sour Asian Vegetable Soup
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 dried shiitake mushrooms; 1 tablespoon light olive or peanut oil; 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil; 1 medium onion, quartered and sliced; 2 or 3 stalks bok choy or 2 large celery stalks, sliced diagonally; One 14- to 16-ounce can salt-free diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup fresh white mushrooms, coarsely chopped; 4 cups water; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or lemon pepper; 1 cup snow peas, cut into 1-inch pieces; One 15-ounce can baby corn, undrained; 3 to 5 tablespoons rice vinegar, to taste; Chili oil, cayenne pepper, or Asian hot sauce, to taste; 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice; 2 scallions, white and green parts, minced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

December 9, 2011

Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients here. It’s an easy soup to make, doesn’t take long to cook, and is full of exciting textures and flavors. Thanks to Neil Trager, who gave me this recipe many moons ago.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.