January is National Soup Month, which makes sense, considering the first month of the year is typically marked with below-freezing temperatures, snow and slush. What's better than a delicious, hot bowl of soup on a chilly day? A delicious, hot bowl of soup that you don't have to make -- that's what. This January Gut Check will revisit some of our favorite hot soups to help guide your belly through this month-long soup celebration.
Comfort gets delivered in the form of warm and tender savory dumplings in this authentic Cantonese dish from Wei Hong Bakery & Restaurant (3175 South Grand Boulevard; 314-773-8318). Atop a bed of thin, al dente egg noodles floating in a light, umami-packed broth, the wontons channel that classic flavor combo of soy and rice vinegar. The wontons themselves feature shrimp and pork enveloped in a delicate egg and wheat wrapper.
The fragrant broth wafts from table to tongue; blanched bok choy and chopped green chive add a verdant bite. The slightest squirt of Sriracha hot sauce lends an appropriate jolt of heat to the dish's salty yet subdued flavors -- not to mention clears up those cold-weather sinuses.
Grab a spoon and chopsticks to sip and chew through this Hong Kong-style staple, and let its warmth wash over you to conquer winter temperatures. And don't forget to heed the wise words of a sweet, crunchy fortune cookie: relax.
