Pho Recipe

Pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup, is renowned for its aromatic broth and hearty ingredients. Here's a basic recipe for making Pho at home:

Ingredients

For the Broth:

1. Beef bones - 2-3 lbs (preferably a mix of marrow bones and knuckles)
2. Onion - 1 large, halved and charred
3. Ginger - a 3-inch piece, halved lengthwise and charred
4. Spices - star anise (5), whole cloves (4), cinnamon stick (1), cardamom pods (3), coriander seeds (1 tbsp)
5. Fish sauce - 2-3 tbsp
6. Sugar - 1-2 tbsp
7. Salt - to taste

For the Bowls:

1. Rice noodles (Pho noodles) - as needed
2. Thinly sliced beef - sirloin, brisket, or eye round
3. Toppings - green onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges, sliced chilies

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • Simmer the beef bones in a large pot of water for a few minutes. Drain and rinse the bones to remove impurities.
   • Char the onion and ginger over an open flame (or broil in an oven) until they are slightly blackened, which adds depth to the flavor.
   • In a clean pot, add the cleaned bones, charred onion and ginger, and spices. Fill the pot with about 4 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the top.
   • Add fish sauce, sugar, and salt to the broth. Simmer for at least 2-3 hours, the longer the better, for a rich and flavorful broth. Strain the broth and keep it hot.

2. Prepare the Noodles:

   • Soak the rice noodles in warm water until they are soft, or cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Bowls:

   • Place a portion of the cooked noodles in each bowl.
   • Arrange the thinly sliced raw beef on top. The heat from the broth will cook the beef when served.
   • Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef in each bowl.

4. Serve with Toppings:

   • Serve Pho with various toppings like green onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chilies. Allow each person to add toppings according to their preference.

Enjoy your homemade Pho! Remember, the key to a great Pho is in the broth, so take your time to simmer it and develop the flavors. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal any time of the day.