Hearty Vietnamese Pho with Daikon and Herbs

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup known for its deeply flavorful broth, tender meat slices, and aromatic herbs. This version incorporates daikon, a type of radish, which adds a subtle sweetness and is often used in Vietnamese cuisine. Prepare to be warmed and nourished by this classic dish, perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:
– 4 lbs beef bones (preferably knuckle and marrow bones)
– 1 large onion, quartered
– 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced
– 1 daikon radish, peeled and sliced
– 6 cloves garlic, smashed
– 8 cups water
– 2 star anise
– 4 cloves
– 3-inch cinnamon stick
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp sugar
– Salt to taste

For the Soup:
– 300g rice noodles
– 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
– 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
– 1 bunch fresh cilantro
– 1 bunch fresh mint
– 2 limes, cut into wedges
– 2-3 fresh red chilies, sliced
– Hoisin sauce and sriracha (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
– Begin by blanching the beef bones: place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones to remove impurities.
– In a clean pot, add the rinsed bones, onion, ginger, daikon radish, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
– Add star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Cover and let the broth simmer for at least 3-4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.

2. Season the Broth:
– After simmering, strain the broth to remove the solids, returning the clear liquid to the pot.
– Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Keep the broth hot over low heat.

3. Prepare the Noodles and Toppings:
– Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and drain.
– Arrange the slices of beef sirloin, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, and sliced chilies on a platter for serving.

4. Assemble the Pho:
– To serve, place a portion of cooked noodles in each bowl.
– Top with a few slices of raw beef sirloin.
– Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef, cooking the meat in the broth’s heat.
– Garnish with bean sprouts, herbs, chilies, and a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Add Condiments:
– At the table, provide hoisin sauce and sriracha for guests to customize their bowls.

Enjoy this soul-warming bowl of Vietnamese Pho with Daikon and an array of fresh herbs and flavorful condiments!