Vegan Hot./Sour Soup Recipe

• 2/3 block firm tofu in 1/2 inch dice
• 1/4 tsp. 5-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 c. lower sodium soy sauce (divided--use less if your soy sauce is not the lower sodium variety)
• 4 tsp. peanut or other bland oil (divided)
• 1/2 in. ginger root, finely grated
• 1 small or 1/2 larger onion, sliced
• 1/4 tsp. ground ancho chilis or hot paprika
• 10 "grape" tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• a few drops toasted sesame oil or a tiny smidge ground chipotle peppers (for a little smoky flavor)
• 1-2/3 c. boiling water
• 1 Tbsp (or to taste). fresh squeezed lemon juice
• sliced green part of one scallion

1. Mix the 5-spice powder, garlic, and 2 tsp. of the soy sauce in a bowl, add the tofu cubes, and stir gently to coat. Put aside.
2. In a medium sized heavy bottomed pot or wok heat 3 tsp. of the oil to medium low. Add the ginger and stirfry 1 minute.
3. Add the sliced onions and sautee approx. 4 minutes until translucent but not brown.
4. Stir in the ground chilis or paprika.
5. Move everything in the pot or wok to one side, add the remaining tsp. of oil, dump in the marinated tofu cubes, and gently stirfry them for about a minute.
6. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the halved tomatoes, sprinkle in the sesame oil or ground chipotle powder, add the remaining soy sauce, and slowly (carefully) pour in the boiling water. Let simmer, covered, for 6 minutes.
7. Turn off heat, stir in the lemon juice. Taste to adjust seasoning (soy sauce, lemon, water).
8. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish w/ sliced scallion. May serve w/ a bowl of rice or rice cakes on the side.