Cuisines : Vietnamese noodle soup - how to prepare

 

Vietnamese noodle soup, also known as pho, is a delicious and aromatic dish made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef or chicken. It's a popular and comforting dish enjoyed worldwide.

Here's a basic recipe for Vietnamese noodle soup (pho):

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds beef bones (such as oxtail, knuckle, or marrow bones)

- 1 large onion, halved and charred

- 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced and charred

- 4-6 star anise pods

- 4-6 cloves

- 2 cinnamon sticks

- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

- 1 cardamom pod

- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

- 1 tablespoon salt

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 package (16 ounces) dried rice noodles (banh pho)

- Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or brisket), cooked or raw

- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, mint)

- Bean sprouts

- Thinly sliced onion

- Lime wedges

- Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)

- Hoisin sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until slightly blackened.

2. In a large pot, add the beef bones and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let it boil for about 10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the bones.

3. In the same pot, add the bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, cardamom pod, and fennel seeds. Add enough water to cover everything (about 4-5 quarts). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour (the longer, the better), skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

4. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the solids and return the broth to the pot.

5. Season the broth with salt, fish sauce, and sugar, adjusting to taste.

6. Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, you'll need to soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until softened, then drain.

7. Assemble your bowls by placing cooked rice noodles at the bottom, then adding thinly sliced beef (if using raw beef, it will cook in the hot broth), and any desired toppings such as bean sprouts, sliced onion, and herbs.

8. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef. Serve with lime wedges, Sriracha or chili sauce, and hoisin sauce on the side for customization.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese noodle soup!