Vegetarian Pho

Photo: Vegetarian Pho
Revitalizing, hearty, and capable of hundreds of different variations, it’s easy to see why Vietnam's famous noodle dish endears the masses. Many Vietnamese restaurants offer a vegetarian pho but it is often offered only in one gigantic size and can be pricey compared to their meaty counterparts. Homemade pho does need a commitment of time but the flavor and ease of the dish will prove to be worthwhile. A big batch of the broth can be made and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to a month. Cook the noodles and prepare the garnishes only when ready to serve.
Yield
4-6 Servings
Gluten-Free
Nut-Free
Entrees
Ingredients

Broth

  • 1-2 large yellow onions, peeled and halved
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4" piece fresh ginger, peeled as much as possible and halved
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 2-3 whole cloves
  • 1-2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 4 cups mushroom stock or low sodium vegetable stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 5" piece dried kombu or wakame seaweed
  • 2-4 dried shiitake mushrooms
  • ¼ cup Vegan Fish Sauce, vegetarian stir fry sauce, mushroom soy sauce or soy sauce
  • 4-5 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

Noodles

  • 6-9 ounces rice noodles, somen noodles, udon noodles or thin pasta noodles

Suggested Toppings/Garnish

  • Sliced baked or fried tofu
  • Sliced fresh mushrooms
  • Thinly sliced onions and/or green onions
  • Sliced chili pepper
  • Lemon or lime wedges
  • Mung bean sprouts
  • Fresh Thai basil leaves and/or cilantro leaves
  • Chopped bok choy, napa cabbage and/or broccoli
  • Vegetarian hoisin sauce and/or Sriracha®
Instructions

  1. To prepare the Broth, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and coriander. Saute until the vegetables begin to char - about 5-7 minutes.

  2. Stir in the reminaing Broth ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes.(Alternatively you can add the broth to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-12 hours.) 

  3. Strain borth into a clean pot and discard the solids. Taste the broth and add salt if necessary. Keep warm over low heat. 

  4. Cook noodles according to package directions and drain. Divide noodles into 4-5 serving bowls. 

  5. Pour warm broth over the noodles in each bowl. 

  6. Set a large platter or several plates with desired toppings. This will let everyone customize their bowl. Serve and enjoy!