Hot 'N Sour Chicken Soup

Ingredients

1 pound egg tagliatelle, for wide noodles or whole wheat spaghetti, for a heartier soup
6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander, half a palmful
2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil, divided
A couple of handfuls of button mushrooms, sliced
1 inch ginger root, grated
3 to 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, eyeball it
1/4 cup Tamari or low-sodium Tamari, eyeball it

6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 small bunch scallions, thinly sliced on an angle
A couple of handfuls crispy bean sprouts
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish
Sriracha or other hot sauce, to pass at table

Yields: Serves 4

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta. Cook to al dente.

Meanwhile, trim chicken and season with salt, pepper and coriander. Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil, a turn of the pan, in a large, deep skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook 4 minutes on each side. Remove to a cutting board and reserve.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, a turn of the skillet, and stir-fry mushrooms a few minutes to soften and brown. Stir in ginger and garlic, toss a minute or two more then add vinegar. Stir, add Tamari and stock, and bring to a boil.

Thinly slice the chicken on an angle into strips. Add chicken to soup. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into broth. Let thicken a minute more. Add scallions and bean sprouts to soup and turn off heat.

Twist a bundle of noodles up around tongs or a serving fork and pile into individual bowls. Ladle soup over the noodles and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Pass hot sauce at the table.