Pho
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 2-inch piece of ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 4 quarts of chicken or beef broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom pods
- 1 pound of beef (sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin) thinly sliced
- 8 oz of rice noodles
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup of jalapeno slices
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions:
- Roast the onion, ginger, and garlic in a dry pan until they are charred and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil and add the roasted onion, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, and cardamom pods. Reduce heat to low and let the broth simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, and cardamom pods from the broth and discard. Add the sliced beef to the broth and let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the beef is cooked to your liking.
- To serve, place a handful of cooked noodles in a large bowl. Ladle the broth and beef over the noodles. Top with fresh basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, and jalapeno slices. Serve with a lime wedge and sauces on the side.
Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any time of year. The broth, made with a blend of spices, is simmered for hours to create a rich and aromatic base for the noodles and beef. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and jalapenos, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. So next time you're in the mood for a warm and satisfying meal, give pho a try and taste the flavors of Vietnam in every bite.
