Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup bird's nest
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced bamboo shoots
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the bird's nest in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
3. Add the bird's nest, carrots, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the pineapple to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
6. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
7. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
8. Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while stirring constantly.
9. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens.
10. Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring constantly.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
- Bamboo shoots and water chestnuts can be substituted with any other vegetables of your choice.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the soup for added protein.
- Use different types of vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the bird's nest in cold water for at least 30 minutes to soften it before cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove any impurities from the bird's nest before adding it to the pot.
- Do not overcook the egg or it will become tough.
Storage instructions:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a garnish of chopped scallions.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
Pairings:
- Serve the soup with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, mix more cornstarch and water to make a slurry and add it to the pot.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to soak the bird's nest in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove any impurities.
Food history:
- Bird's nest soup is a Chinese delicacy that has been consumed for centuries. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is often served at special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and sour
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter or as a main dish.
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Region: Chinese