What the Pho?

Last year I was introduced to pho. I instantly fell in love! As I've mentioned before, I love noodles, all noodles. I had never tried rice noodles until I had pho and I seriously can't get enough. My family likes a restaurant called Pho Saigon in Colorado and my dad just loves to joke about the name. He likes to say they used to be called Pho King but had to change their name because of how it was said. He is very silly.

Anyways, tonight I tried to recreate pho at home. It turned out great. There were left overs for my husbands lunch and even a little left over broth after that. Well my husband liked it so much he had me poor him the broth into a glass so we didn't waste any. He is so silly.

Vegetarian Pho
From here.

Broth
1 small unpeeled onion, quartered
2 unpeeled shallots, halved
8 garlic cloves, halved
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 drop anise extract
4 vegetable bouillon cubes
8 cups water
2 tbsp soy sauce
salt
 
Soup 
rice noodles
green pepper
onions

In a pot add onion, shallots, and garlic. Dry roast, stirring occasionally, until they begin to char. Once they are charred add water, ginger, cinnamon, anise, bouillon cubes, salt and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 25 minutes. When 25 minutes is up strain into a clean pot and discard solids. Keep warm over low heat.

While broth is simmering, cook noodles according to package. Mine was to sit in boiling hot water for 10 minutes.

Cut green pepper and onion into strips and put on serving plate. We usually just add however much we want. Which also reminds me about the hoisin sauce that I made. I unfortunately don't have a picture of it but my husband goes crazy for it! The recipe is here.

When noodles are done, strain and serve into bowls, pour broth over noodles and add whatever you'd like.