Pho

[TRRW#31]

For those of you who have had this know how good it is. I've been kicking around the idea of making it at home. I've found some recipes to make it from scratch, but I'm considering going with an instant mix from HEB for the broth. Has anyone tried to make this from scratch or is the instant mix woth it. Please advise.

 

[IRC]

From HERE:

"Yes, the broth is complex, but you can make a very good one at home. And once you do, you can freeze it and have it anytime. The rest is easy.

I usually make chicken pho, which is a little easier. The recipe I use for the broth is from Vietnamese Cooking by Diana My Tran.

I save up leftover carcasses from 2 or 3 chickens, then simmer with an onion or two and a big thumb-sized piece of ginger, all of which have been cut and charred under the broiler, and about 4-6 star anise. I simmer for about 2 hours or more, though the recipe calls for less. Strain, adjust seasoning.

Cook chicken breasts in broth. Remove and shred. Cook pho noodles. Put drained noodles into bowls, top with chicken and broth. Add fish sauce and juice from a quarter lime (throw the lime in the bowl too). I serve with chopped hot chilis, Vietnamese/Thai basil, cilantro, scallions, mint, bean sprouts, and sometimes some shallots.

I do urge you to try making it at least once. It's so nice to have at home!"



I use these little pho cubes I get at the Hong Kong Market on Bellaire in Houston, but they do contain msg.

HTH

 

[alden]

Pho is all about the broth. If you have the patience to try making beef broth from scratch, go for it. This would involve cooking beef bones and other stuff all day. Tiring to do on the stove, but it can be easy if you have a big crock pot. Either way it's a lot of time invested for an experimental (which your first time will be) meal. II haven't done this for pho, but I've made lots of broth, including for ramen soup.

You could buy stock somewhere, but your soup would taste pretty much like that stock. In most cases, that would be disappointing compared to restaurant pho.

 

[Bevo Incognito]

I've made wonderful pho using the organic broths that you get at Central Market.