I'm hooked on this stuff! It warms the soul and will cure what ails you! It just makes you feel soooo good. I found a Pho restaurant in town and wanted to make it myself. Pho has the magical qualities of homemade chicken soup with a Vietnamese twist. Fortunately for me, my dad had his own recipe and this is what I am sharing with you today.
1 onion, peeled and quartered
8 garlic cloves, halved
1” piece of fresh ginger, sliced
2 3” cinnamon sticks
2 star anise pods
4 whole cloves
8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
3 tablespoons soy sauce
½ lb (8oz) rice noodles
6 green onions, sliced (green and white parts)
Condiments:
1 lime, cut into wedges
fresh cilantro
fresh basil
shredded cabbage
fresh bean sprouts
srirachi chili paste
In a large stock pot, heat the first six ingredients over medium-low heat until the onion is softened. Add the broth and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover for 25 minutes. Strain the liquid to remove the first 6 ingredients.
Prepare the noodles as directed. Divide the noodles and green onions into two large, or four medium, bowls. Bring the broth to a boil. Pour the hot broth over the noodles.
Serve the soup with the condiments on a separate platter. Add your favorite condiments to the soup. You'll need a fork and a spoon, unless you are at home, in which case you can just drink the soup out of the bowl. (:
Thin slices of beef or chicken, or shrimp, can be added to Pho. If you do add these ingredients try some hoisin sauce to dip the meat into or to add to the soup.
