Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Team: Milton Cooking Bees
Host School: Milton Middle School
Age Group: Middle School
Ingredients
Vegetarian Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Serves 20
Broth
2TBSP Sesame Oil
2 large onion, peeled and halved
4-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and halved lengthwise
3 cinnamon sticks,
1 tsp anise seed
6 cloves
1 TBSP coriander seeds
1 gallon vegetable stock
1cup soy sauce
4 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 chile pepper diced
Noodles
1 pound dried flat rice noodles use 1/16", 1/8", or 1/4" width depending on availability and preference)
Toppings Protein 2 pounds of fried tofu:
Toppings Vegetables
2 cup carrots cut thin julienne
2 cups broccoli small florette cuts
2 cups Bok Choy or Nappa Cabbage
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 cup bean sprouts
Large handful of herbs: cilantro, Thai basil,
Preparation Instructions
Preperation heat 1 TBSP olive oil in saute pan. Cut Tofu into cubes place in hot oil and cook one minute. Be careful not to over stir or cook tofu or it will break apart. Place tofu in small bowl and set aside.
For the broth
In a large pot, Place sesame oil and heat add all ingredients except broth and cook for five minutes low heat. Add broth and bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain and keep hot until ready to serve.
For the noodles
While broth is simmering, place noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand for 20-30 minutes or until tender but still chewy. Drain. (If soaking does not soften the noodles enough, blanch them in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds.)
For the toppings: While broth is simmering, prepare toppings as desired dice and cook tofu. Lightly steam or blanch vegetables. This should be done in large covered pot with just enough water to cover the bottom. Bring water to boil add veggies and cook three minutes. Make sure toppings stay crisp and brilliant in color.
Preparation:
Divide noodles between bowls. Arrange toppings over noodles. Ladle broth into each bowl. Top with garnishes. Be decorative and creative.