Vegetarian Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
From Sally Bernstien's article on Vietnamese food in the Vegetarian Journal[March/April 2000]. "I'm pleased to report that experiencing a vegetarian Vietnam is possible. Armed with a tourist phrasebook, a healthy appreciation of local markets, and a willingness to be considered highly eccentric by the Viet-namese, I enjoyed such delicacies as a vegetarian version of pho, the fabled Vietnamese noodle and meat soup..."
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INGREDIENTS
Nutrition- 1 1⁄3lbs rice noodles
- 10 2⁄3
- 1⁄3cup bean sprouts
- 2⁄3cup shredded napa cabbage
- 2⁄3cup tender greens
- 2⁄3cup fresh basil leaf
- 2⁄3
- 4
- 4
- 1 1⁄3
- 4
- 1 1⁄3to taste salt
- 1 1⁄3to taste fresh ground pepper
broth (use 8 cups)
- 10 2⁄3cups clear vegetable stock
- 4tablespoons Braggs liquid aminos
- 10 2⁄3
- 1 1⁄3
- 1 1⁄3inches gingerroot
- 2 2⁄3
- 2 2⁄3star anise pods
- 2 2⁄3large bay leaves
DIRECTIONS
- Tear greens into bite-sized pieces. Use both green and white parts of the scallions. Peanuts should bechopped roasted unsalted Seed the chili peppers and cut into rounds.
- Make the broth then when it has simmered for about 10 minutes, soak the noodles.
- To Soak: Bring 4 qts water to boil. Remove from heat. Add the noodles and soak 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until noodles are pliable and easily separated. Drain and divide into bowls.
- Simmer seitan in the broth until heated through. About 4 minutes then remove with a slotted spoon and thin slice into six portions and add your noodles.
- Now Place the bean sprouts, cabbage, greens, basil, cilantro, scallions and peanuts on top of the noodles and seitan. Put broth into bowls.
- Serve the lime, chili rounds and salt and pepper on the side.
- Broth: Makes 8 cups.
- Put the stock, braggs, garlic and onion in a stock pot and bring to a boil.
- Char the ginger on all sides and add to the stock.
- Now add the cinnamon, anise and bay to the broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes partially covered.
- Remove solids with slotted spoon. Adjust seasonings if needed and return to pot until ready to use in recipe. Keep hot.