Vietnamese soup

[planet]

Pho? Anyone have a good recipe for the vietnamese soup that has rare meat, fresh basil, sprouts, etc added? There was an amazing hole in the wall place in our hometown that we miss and I would love to bring back memories with some pho on a hot summer day.

Thanks!

[planet]

I should add that I can't use msg.

[Meenah]

You can buy beef broth and just add what you want!!! We love it.

I recently saw a new cookbook from Nancie McDermott called Quick and Easy Vietnamese. Maybe you could see if the library has it? I like her Thai book. I searched on it and this looks like a good one:
http://www.soupsong.com/rpho.html

Luanne's suggestion is a good idea too.

[Cumberland]

I have a package of Pho mix I got at an asian food store- all you have to do is add the fresh ingredients. I have never made it though. There is only one pho place that I know of here- and they have a drive through! I usually pull up to the window and they look at me and say- 'medium pho tai and a glass of water to go, right?' It is one of my favorite meals.

I just made some tonight for dinner. Yummy. I just simmered 2 boxes (64 oz.) of beef broth with a cinnamon stick, a few whole star anise, and a couple slices of ginger. (I have a big teaball-like thing that I stuck it in so that I can easily take it it out and the spices are not floating all over the place.) I let it simmer for about 20 min and then added some fish sauce, salt, and pepper. While the broth is simmering, soften a pack of flat rice noodles in a bowl of very hot water. Drain the water. Put the noodles in the broth and let it cook for about a minute or so. Return the noodles to the bowl (that it was soaking in). IMPORTANT: Don't leave the noodles in the broth because it will soak up all of the liquid. Distribute the noodles among bowls, ladle broth over the noodles and top with the toppings. Tonight, I used bean sprouts, cilantro, and basil. I usually put mint but I couldn't find any at the store. I like using the purple mint for color.

[planet]

Thanks Mel,

I'll be trying your recipe tomorrow!

Janet,
What do you know? There is a recipe for Pho in the newest issue of Fine Cooking, around page 72. Might be at the library but if not and if you are interested, PM me and I'll send you a copy.

[planet]

Nellie,

Thanks. You have mail. I have no chance of browsing for myself at the library. The draw of the children's section is too great.

Pho has to wait another night. Ds2 has been a fussy eater today. I'm going to stick with a dinner I know he'll eat.