Vegetarian Pho

The national dish of Vietnam, pho is an aromatic noodle soup that’s traditionally made with beef broth. Here, store-bought vegetable broth is spiked with onion, garlic, and spices for a full-bodied vegetarian alternative.

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Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
  • 1 head garlic, top sliced off and removed
  • 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 Tbs. anise seeds
  • 2 Tbs. coriander seeds
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 Tbs. Bragg Liquid Aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 7 oz. dried rice stick noodles
  • 6 baby bok choy, sliced (6 cups)
  • 2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/3 cup chopped Thai basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 4 Tbs. prepared fried shallots, optional

Preparation

1  Preheat oven to broil, and place oven rack in highest position. Place onion, garlic head, and ginger on baking sheet, and broil 3 to 5 minutes, or until brown and beginnng to blacken, turning occasionally. Transfer to large pot or Dutch oven.

2 Toast star anise, anise seeds, coriander seeds, and cinnamon sticks in small dry skillet over medium-low heat 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Add spices to onion mixture in pot, then add broth and 6 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer, partially covered, 1 hour. Strain broth, and discard solids. (You should have 8 cups of broth.) Return broth to pot, and stir in Liquid Aminos. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

3 Meanwhile, prepare rice sticks according to package directions. Cook bok choy and green beans 4 minutes in large pot of boiling salted water. Drain noodles and vegetables.

4  Divide noodles and vegetables among four bowls. Pour 2 cups broth over top, then top with bean sprouts, and sprinkle with herbs and fried shallots (if using).

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 249
  • Carbohydrate Content 55 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 1 g
  • Fiber Content 7 g
  • Protein Content 9 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 0.5 g
  • Sodium Content 912 mg
  • Sugar Content 7 g

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