Pho is a Vietnamese soup that is light, fragrant, and full of flavour.
It is perfect for any time of the year and is loved by people of all ages. Today, I am going to learn how to make this delicious dish right at home!
What You’ll Need
To start, let’s make sure we have all the right ingredients and tools:
- Beef bones – 2 pounds
- Onion – 1 large, halved
- Ginger – 4-inch piece
- Star anise – 5 pieces
- Cloves – 6 pieces
- Cinnamon stick – 1 large piece
- Cardamom pods – 2
- Coriander seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Flat rice noodles – 400 grams
- Thinly sliced beef – 300 grams
- Fresh herbs – (cilantro, basil, mint)
- Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilies – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:
Prepare The Bones And Aromatics
- Wash the beef bones under cold water.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the bones for 10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the bones to remove any impurities.
- Char the onion and ginger over an open flame or in a broiler until blackened.
Simmer The Broth
- Fill a clean pot with about 4 liters of water.
- Add the bones, charred onion, and ginger.
- Toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Add the toasted spices to the pot.
- Simmer the broth on low heat for 6 hours.
- Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the top.
- Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve.
Prepare The Noodles And Beef
- Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water until soft.
- Boil the noodles in water for about 1 minute.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Arrange the noodles in serving bowls.
- Top with thinly sliced beef.
Assemble The Pho
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef.
- The heat from the broth will cook the thin beef slices.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint.
- Serve with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilies on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fat | 7g |
Tips for the Perfect Pho
- Use high-quality beef bones for a rich and flavorful broth.
- Simmer the broth gently to keep it clear and free of impurities.
- Adjust the seasoning of the broth to your taste.
- Prepare the garnishes ahead of time for a quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Pho Soup?
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and typically beef or chicken.
How To Make Pho Soup?
To make Pho Soup, simmer a rich stock with spices, then pour it over cooked rice noodles and thinly sliced meat.
What Spices Go Into Pho?
Star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and coriander seeds are common spices used to flavor Pho broth.
Is Pho Soup Healthy?
Pho Soup can be a healthy option as it’s rich in nutrients and can be low in calories, depending on the ingredients used.
There you have it, a simple yet authentic Pho soup recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With fresh ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a warm, comforting bowl of Pho right in your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Pho!