Vietnamese Pho with Chicken – A Flavorful and Comforting Bowl of Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese Pho with Chicken – A Flavorful and Comforting Bowl of Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese Pho with Chicken, commonly known as Pho Ga, is a delightful and aromatic dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cooking. This soup is a perfect blend of savory chicken broth, tender rice noodles, succulent chicken pieces, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish is loved for its richness in flavor and its nourishing qualities.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:
– 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
– 14 cups of water
– 1 large onion, halved
– 1 large piece of ginger (about 3 inches), halved lengthwise
– 3 cloves
– 3 star anise pods
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce

For the Noodles and Garnishes:
– 1 lb dried flat rice noodles (banh pho)
– 2 cups bean sprouts
– 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
– 1 bunch fresh cilantro
– 1 bunch fresh mint
– 2-3 limes, cut into wedges
– 2-3 green onions, chopped
– 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional)
– Hoisin sauce (optional)
– Sriracha sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth:
1. Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly, removing any remaining feathers and excess fat.
2. Place the chicken in a large stockpot and pour in the water.
3. Add the onion and ginger halves, along with the cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and coriander seeds into the pot.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
5. Skim the surface to remove any impurities and foam.
6. After about 10 minutes, add the sugar, salt, and fish sauce.
7. Simmer the broth for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Cook the Noodles:
1. While the broth is simmering, soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they become pliable.
2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually by boiling them for about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:
1. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
2. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

Assemble the Pho:
1. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve and return it to the pot.
2. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or salt if necessary.
3. Reheat the broth if it has cooled down.

Serve:
1. Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with shredded chicken pieces.
3. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and chicken, ensuring they are well submerged.
4. Garnish with bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, cilantro, mint, chopped green onions, and slices of red chili if using.
5. Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce on the side.

Enjoy a warm bowl of Vietnamese Pho with Chicken, bursting with fragrant flavors and soothing warmth, making it the perfect meal for any occasion!