Quick hot and sour noodle soup

Ingredients

For the soup
1 tbsp groundnut oil
2.5cm/1in piece fresh root ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
2 handfuls fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 red chilli, de-seeded, finely chopped
1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
700ml/1 pint 5fl oz vegetable stock
220g/8oz canned bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp Chinese black rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar
pinch ground white pepper
1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

For the noodle 'pot'
200g/7oz cooked egg noodles
2 small handfuls beansprouts
8 baby sweetcorn, sliced
1 spring onion, sliced
100g/3½oz cooked chicken, shredded

Method

• For the soup base, heat the oil in a wok, then fry the ginger and shiitake mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the chilli, Shaoxing rice wine, vegetable stock, bamboo shoots and the seasonings. Bring to the boil, then add with the cornflour paste, stirring well, until thickened. Keep warm over a low heat.
• For the noodle pot, layer the cooked egg noodles, beansprouts, sliced baby corn and spring onions in a plastic pot or serving bowl. Top with shredded chicken, then spoon the soup over the ingredients. Give the noodle pot or bowl a good stir and serve immediately.