Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

For the Broth: Combine chicken feet, chicken bones, and ham in a large stockpot. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Drain bones in sink, then rinse under cold running water. Return to pot, add ginger, garlic, onion, and 6 scallions. Cover with water, bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a bare simmer, and cook for 1 hour, skimming off scum and fat occasionally. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot. Discard solids. You should have about 1 1/2 quarts broth. If not, reduce to 1 1/2 quarts.