Beef Pho soup

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 1 kg beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones)
• 2 onions, peeled and halved
• 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise pods
• 6 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 litres water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt, to taste

For the Soup:

• 300g flat rice noodles (banh pho)
• 300g beef sirloin or eye of round, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish
• Bean sprouts, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Red chili peppers, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
• Hoisin sauce, Sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Broth:

1. Place the beef bones in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help remove impurities. Drain and rinse the bones.
2. In a dry pan, lightly toast the onion halves and ginger slices until they become fragrant and slightly charred.
3. In the same pan, toast the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, cloves, cardamom pods, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant.
4. In a large stockpot, add the beef bones, toasted onions, ginger, and toasted spices. Pour in 2 litres of water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for at least 4-6 hours, adding water as needed to maintain the liquid level.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot. Discard the solids. You should have a clear and aromatic beef broth.
7. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt, adjusting the flavours to your liking. Keep the broth warm.

Preparing the Soup:

8. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
9. Thinly slice the beef sirloin or eye of round. It will cook in the hot broth when served.

Assembling the Beef Pho:

10. Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
11. Arrange the thinly sliced beef over the noodles.
12. Top with thinly sliced onions and fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil.
13. Ladle the hot beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring the beef cooks in the hot liquid.
14. Serve the Beef Pho with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers (if desired) on the side.
15. Offer Hoisin sauce, Sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce as condiments for diners to adjust the flavour to their liking.

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Beef Pho, a Vietnamese culinary masterpiece!