Pho, a beloved Vietnamese dish, is a bowl of comfort that warms the soul. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, and I have created a delicious vegetarian version of this iconic noodle soup. The vegetarian pho broth is fragrant and flavourful, infused with aromatic spices. It serves as the perfect canvas for a delightful medley of toppings, including julienne carrots, sautéed bok choy, chilli mushrooms, fresh coriander, crispy onions, and vibrant spring onions. Get ready to savour the rich flavours of Vietnam in a bowl.
INGREDIENTS
For the Broth:
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved
- 1 piece of ginger (about 5g), sliced and smashed
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 6-8 cups vegetable broth
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetarian oyster sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 Honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Toppings:
- Julienne carrots, lightly blanched
- Sautéed bok choy
- Chilli mushrooms (sliced mushrooms sautéed with chilli flakes)
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Crispy onions (store-bought or homemade)
- Sliced spring onions
- Rice noodles
METHOD
- Caramelise the Aromatics: In a medium heated pot, cook the onions and ginger until they have caramelised.
- Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, combine the charred onion, ginger, smashed garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavourful the broth will become.
- Season the Broth: Season the broth with soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, honey and salt to taste. Adjust these seasonings to achieve your desired flavour profile.
- Serve: Your vegetarian pho broth is ready! To assemble your pho bowls, add cooked rice noodles, the toppings of your choice (julienne carrots, sautéed bok choy, chilli mushrooms, fresh coriander, crispy onions, and sliced spring onions), and ladle the flavourful broth over them.
Customise your bowl with a squeeze of lime, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce, if desired.
Enjoy your vegetarian pho with an array of toppings that bring a burst of colour and flavour to this classic dish!