Hot and Sour Soup - Salad Dodgers

Hot and Sour soup is a deliciously rich but light option, eaten as an appetiser or meal depending on the size of the bowl. It is surprisingly filling and is great as an evening meal as part of a weightloss plan. I would however recommend having a seeded bagel or equivalent to accompany it as you've got something to absorb the juice then! 

INGREDIENTS: (for 2)

1/2 Red Onion (sliced)
1/2 Red/yellow pepper (diced)
Green beans or peas
Cup of Button mushrooms (halved)
1/2 tbsp Dark brown sugar
3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Clove of garlic (sliced)
Pinch of dried chillis
Water(Boiling)
Noodles

METHOD:

1. Put all veggies in a pan with some olive or canola oil and gently fry.
2. Add the sugar and mix in.
3. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, chillis and water(just less than a pint).
4. When it has come to the boil, reduce the heat and add either enough noodles or spaghetti for 2 people and leave to cook.
5. Remove and serve when pasta has cooked. If using fine noodles or fresh pasta, leave stage (3) for about 15mins to make sure the veggies are cooked.

With only 1/2 tbsp sugar and a dribble of oil, this recipe is particularly low on calories (excepting the noodles and potential bread accompaniment. Feel free to use any veggies and add chicken or prawns if you need some meat in there. 

Additionally, if you would prefer a more stir fry with sauce style meal, simply omit the water and the vinegar, soy sauce and sugar act as a sweet and sour alternative.