Hot and Sour Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 5 dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
• 5 dried wood ear mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
• 1 (32-ounce) carton fat-free, less-sodium vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
• 2 1/4 cups water, divided
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound reduced-fat firm or extrafirm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• Chili oil (optional)