Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) .The history of these noodles is not certain, as beef is not commonly part of Vietnamese cuisine. Some people believe that it was probably a fusion dish, influenced by the French colonialists. However, the Pho Bo is considered one of Vietnam's sacred national dishes.
RECIPE
Broth ingredients:
3 cans beef broth (low-salt suggested)
2 carrots, julienne
4 slices fresh ginger, chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 whole cloves
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
3 Tablespoons fish sauce
Accompaniments ingredients
½ pound roast beef (may be purchased from a deli), sliced into very thin bite-sized strips
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 bunch fresh basil, coarsely chopped
2 or more chilies, sliced at a diagonal
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 package rice noodles, cooked
How to make:
Make broth by pouring contents from three cans of broth into a large saucepan.
Add carrots, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, garlic, and peppercorns.
Simmer covered for 20 minutes.
Add fish sauce and simmer about 5 more minutes.
Strain by pouring through a colander.
To serve, arrange the following on a platter: beef, onion, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, chilies, lime wedges, and noodles.
Ladle the broth into bowls, and serve.
Each person chooses items from the platter to add to his or her bowl of broth.
*from variety sources