How to Make Vietnamese Vegetable Pho
Vietnamese Vegetable Pho is a delicious and aromatic noodle soup that is both comforting and healthy. This meatless version captures the essence of traditional pho while providing a wholesome vegetarian option. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
To create a tasty bowl of Vietnamese Vegetable Pho, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
- 4-5 star anise
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- Rice noodles (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or oyster work well)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Sriracha or hoisin sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Strain the Broth
Once the broth has simmered, strain out the solids using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the spices and onion. Return the clear broth to the pot, and stir in the soy sauce or tamari. Keep the broth warm over low heat.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until they are tender. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same pot used for the noodles, you can lightly sauté the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and red bell pepper until they are just tender. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Pho
To serve, place a handful of cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Top with the sautéed vegetables and bean sprouts. Carefully ladle the hot vegetable broth over the noodles and vegetables.
Step 6: Garnish
Finish your Vietnamese Vegetable Pho with fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint. Add lime wedges for a zesty kick, and offer Sriracha or hoisin sauce on the side for added flavor.
Tips for the Best Pho
To elevate your pho:
- Use fresh herbs for more intense flavor.
- Add tofu for a protein boost.
- Experiment with different vegetables according to seasonality.
Vietnamese Vegetable Pho is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a bowl of this comforting and nutritious dish any time of the year.