Quick Vietnamese Style Pho

It's that time of the year when you find yourself looking for a warm bowl of something. If that something happens to be Pho, you've definitely hit the jackpot.

Traditional Vietnamese Pho broth is simmered for hours to get that distinct, robust, umami flavor, however there are ways for you to enjoy this yummy soup in a fraction of the time.

The trick is to add an abundance of herbs and spices to infuse as much flavor as possible.

This recipe will provide you with the quick steps to make a delectable broth and give you the option to customize your protein of choice.

The most classic Beef Pho is served with very thin slices of raw beef over cooked Rice Noodles. You'd then pour the piping hot Pho broth over the meat to gently cook it. You can also lightly sear beef slices, marinated tofu or add cooked boneless chicken pieces to make your protein topping or just enjoy the rich broth with the herbs and veggies.

The choice is yours.

Let's get this Soup going....

Soup Toppings:

Protein of your choice

Fresh basil

Fresh Cilantro

Lime wedges

Sliced fresh chillies

Fresh bean sprouts

For the Broth:

6-8 cups water

(You may substitute half with vegetable or beef broth)

2 4 inch pieces of lemon grass

1/4 cup fresh ginger peeled

2 cinnamon sticks

3 star anise flowers

1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp crushed coriander seeds

2 sprigs basil

1 large onion peeled and quartered

1 carrot peeled and cut into 4

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

Directions:

First toast dried spices in a pan over low heat until fragrant.

Place water/broth in a medium sauce pan and add herbs and veggies. Add toasted spices and bring liquid to a rapid boil. Cook for 20 minutes then reduce heat to low. Add tamari/soy sauce and fish sauce and stir. Cook for an additional 10 minutes. Taste broth then adjust the following to your desired taste. Add salt and sugar. Turn off heat and build your bowl.

Place cooked Rice Noodles in the bottom of bowl. Add protein of your choice. Now pour hot Pho broth over everything. Garnish with a slice of Lime and enjoy.

Serve herbs and veggies on a plate and add as much as desired to your soup. For me, the more the merrier.

Happy Soup season!