How to Make Vietnamese Vegan Noodle Soup

Vietnamese Vegan Noodle Soup, also known as Phở Chay, is a delightful and aromatic dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese flavors while being entirely plant-based. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating this comforting bowl of goodness from scratch.

Ingredients

To prepare Vietnamese Vegan Noodle Soup, you will need:

  • 200g rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • 1 medium onion, halved
  • 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mushroom sauce (optional)
  • 1.5 liters of vegetable broth
  • 1 cup of mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms)
  • 1 cup of bean sprouts
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
  • Sliced lime
  • Sliced chili (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the halved onion and sliced ginger, then char them until they are browned. This step enhances the flavor of the broth.

Next, add the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the soy sauce and mushroom sauce, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful your broth will be.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles

While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves soaking them in hot water or boiling them for a few minutes until soft. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a separate pan, sauté the mixed mushrooms in a little bit of oil until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This adds a hearty texture to your soup.

Step 4: Assemble the Soup

Once the broth is ready, strain it to remove the spices and onion/ginger pieces. Add the sautéed mushrooms and bean sprouts to the pot. Allow everything to warm through for a few minutes.

To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles into bowls and ladle the hot broth with mushrooms and bean sprouts over them.

Garnishing Your Soup

Garnish your Vietnamese Vegan Noodle Soup with fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint. Add slices of lime and chili for an extra kick of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic bowl of Phở Chay, a perfect meal for any time of the year.

This Vietnamese Vegan Noodle Soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family, and don’t forget to share your cooking experience!