Pho, the beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, is a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for any time of day. Here's how you can make pho at home:
Ingredients:
1 large onion
2 large cloves of garlic
2 inch piece of ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
3 whole cloves
3 whole cardamom pods
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 lbs beef bones (such as oxtail, beef knuckle, or flank steak bones)
8 cups of beef broth
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp fish sauce
Salt to taste
8 oz rice noodles
1 lb beef (such as sirloin, flank steak, or eye of round)
Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, basil, and mint)
Bean sprouts
Jalapeno pepper, sliced
Lime wedges
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
On a baking sheet, place the onion, garlic, and ginger in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are golden and fragrant.
In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables with the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, cardamom, coriander, and fennel. Toast over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the beef bones and 8 cups of beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.
In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, bring the sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the fish sauce and salt, and set aside.
Slice the beef into thin pieces and place in a large bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the beef until it is cooked through.
To assemble the pho, divide the noodles evenly among 4 bowls. Top with the cooked beef, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices, and herbs. Ladle the hot broth over the top, and serve with the fish sauce mixture and lime wedges on the side.
With these simple instructions, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of pho in the comfort of your own home! Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or savory, this noodle soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.