Traditional Chinese Hot and Sour Soup - Gimme Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced (dried or fresh)
• 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup carrots, julienned (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or black vinegar for a stronger flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or chili oil (optional, for heat)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)