Hot and Sour Tofu Soup (I)

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6 ounces frozen snow peas
1 (8 ounce) package firm tofu, cubed
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and green onions and saute for 5 minutes. Then, add the 2 cups water, broth and soy sauce, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the vinegar, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, cornstarch, 3 tablespoons water and sesame oil. Add this to the soup and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, or until soup becomes thick and bubbly.
Finally, mix in the tofu, snow peas and water chestnuts, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until heated through.