Pho Real, Another Soup Recipe?

Pho

The unassuming Vietnamese noodle dish that is undeniably good pho you! 

Bone broths are all the rage, and for good reason, they strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, produce gorgeous skin and hair, assist in bone growth, and improve digestion.   Here's a simple way to turn those grisly bones into something amazingly tasty.  Pho is a favorite at our house.

Step One:  Get some beef knuckle bones, marrow bones or use what remains of a roasted chicken or turkey.  place on a cookie sheet with some big hunks of ginger and a couple halves of red onions and garlic, brush everything with oil and salt.  Broil and turn pieces over until browned on all sides, then toss in a crock pot and cover with water.  ADD 1TBS VINEGAR OR LEMON JUICE,  important for drawing out essential nutrients.  Cook on low for 12 to 24 hours, the longer, the better.   When finished, drain and discard bones and solids, I give the bones to my dogs. You now have bone broth, if the fatty stuff on the top freaks you out, feel free to skim it off, but fear not, despite its nasty looks, its nutrient rich. 

Step two: 

Using your homemade broth, or a store bought variety,  take some cheese cloth or a cloth tea bag and fill with 1 Tbsp each of cardamom pods, coriander seeds, fennel, 6 whole cloves, and whole star anise and two cinnamon sticks.  toss this back in the crock pot with the broth and another giant piece of ginger,  a spoonful of sugar (of your choice) 1 Tbsp sea salt and 1/4 cup fish sauce.  Simmer on low for another 3 plus hours.

While your stock simmers, cook up some rice noodles in separate pot, and let sit.  thinly slice flank or sirloin steak and one onion, chop up some cilantro/ mint/ basil (if you have them) slice a jalapeno and limes as well for garnish.  

When you're ready to eat, drop the beef  and onion in the  pot and let cook briefly while you line each bowl with noodles, add soup and beef, then top with herbs, jalapeno and limes.  Add hoisin and/or sriracha to taste.