Hot & Sour Soup

Prep : 20 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Makes 6 servings

3/4....................... pound pork tenderloin , cut into 1-1/2 x 1/4-inch strips
1.......................... tablespoon olive oil
1/2....................... pound sliced fresh mushrooms
6 ..........................cups chicken broth
2 ..........................tablespoons chili garlic sauce
3/4....................... teaspoon pepper
1.......................... package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu , drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1........................... can (8ounces) bamboo shoots , drained
1........................... can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts , drained
1/2.........................cup white vinegar
1/3 ........................cup cornstrach
5 ...........................tablespoons water
2............................teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 ........................cup finely chopped green onions

 1 . In a Dutch oven , brown pork in oil until no longer pink ; remove meat and keep warm . Add mushrooms ; saute until tender . Set aside and keep warm .
2 . Add the broth , soy sauce , chili garlic sauce and pepper in the pan .Bring to a boil . Reduce heat ; cover and simmer for 10 minutes . Return the meat and mushrooms to the pan . Stir in tofu , bamboo shoots , water chestnuts and vinegar . Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes .
3 . In a small bowl , combine cornstarch and water until smooth ; gradually stir into soup . Bring to a boil ; cook and stir for 2 munutes or until thickened . Remove from heat ; gently stir in sesame oil . Garnish with onions .

Regular or hot chili sauce can be used , according to your taste .

Heart healthy