He Jia Tuan Yuan (Tofu Ball Soup for Lunar Chinese New Year)

1. 1

   Place the tofu into a large bowl, and mash it into a paste with a large spoon.

2. 2

   Stir in the pork, cornstarch, egg, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules, and 1 teaspoon salt until the mixture is very well combined.

3. 3

   Heat the water and vegetable oil to a boil in a large saucepan, and reduce heat to an active simmer but not a full boil.

4. 4

   Using gloved hands, pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the tofu mixture, roll it into a ball between your palms, and slide it carefully into the water so it doesn't break apart.

5. 5

   Repeat with the rest of the tofu mixture.

6. 6

   Without stirring the soup, let the tofu balls simmer until they rise to the top, about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Turn off the heat, and stir in the dried shrimp, pea vine shoots, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

8. 8

   Serve hot.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.