In this recipe for a popular Chinese dish, an egg is stirred into the simmering soup to form tiny ribbons. For more flavor, add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil just before serving.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

　　2 tablespoons soy sauce

　　1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

　　8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

　　3 to 4 tablespoons rice vinegar

　　2 tablespoons cornstarch

　　1 large egg, lightly beaten

　　1/2 package (7 ounces) soft or firm tofu, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, drained well

　　2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger

　　3 scallions, thinly sliced

　　

Step 1

In a large (5-quart) pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms; reduce the heat, and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of the vinegar and the cornstarch. Add to the pot; simmer, stirring, until the soup is thickened, about 1 minute.

　　

Step 3

Add the egg through a slotted spoon, and stir to form ribbons. Stir in the tofu. Remove from the heat; let stand, covered, for 1 minute. Put the ginger in a small sieve, and squeeze to release its juice into the soup (discard the solids). Taste; add the remaining tablespoon vinegar, if desired. Serve sprinkled with the scallions.

　　

Preparing Tofu

Step 4

Be sure to drain the tofu thoroughly before adding it to the soup so it will soak up the flavor of the broth.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.