Pho is a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup that has gained popularity worldwide, thanks to its aromatic broth and slurp-worthy noodles. For vegans, it can sometimes be tricky to navigate traditional pho recipes made with meat-based broths. Here’s your ultimate guide to making a flavorsome vegan pho that doesn’t compromise on taste or authenticity.

Ingredients:

– 8 cups vegetable broth

– 4 cups water

– 1 large onion, halved and charred

– 3-inch piece of ginger, bruised and charred

– 2 cinnamon sticks

– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted

– 5 whole star anise, toasted

– 4 whole cloves, toasted

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon tamari sauce

– Salt and sugar to taste

– 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes

– 8 oz rice noodles (banh pho)

– Bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over high heat, add the vegetable broth and water.

2. Char the halved onion and ginger pieces either under a broiler or directly on a gas stove until they are slightly blackened on each side. This process will help release the natural flavors of these ingredients.

3. Add the charred onion and ginger to the pot with the broth.

4. Toast the cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, star anise, and cloves in a hot pan for about a minute or until they are fragrant. This process helps in intensifying their flavors.

5. Add the toasted spices into the pot with the broth.

6. Bring the mixture to boil then reduce heat to low-medium. Let it simmer for about an hour uncovered. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, aromatic broth.

7. Place a mesh strainer over another pot, and carefully strain the broth to remove the solids. Be sure to press the onions and ginger with a spoon to extract more flavor.

8. Stir in soy sauce, tamari sauce, salt, and sugar to taste, then return the broth to low heat.

9. In a separate pan, sear the tofu cubes until all sides are golden brown. Set aside.

10. Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions.

11. Assemble your vegan pho by placing noodles at the bottom of each bowl, topping them with tofu cubes, and ladling hot broth over it all until the noodles are submerged.

12. Serve your vegan pho with garnishes like bean sprouts, Thai basil leaves, lime wedges, and cilantro on a separate plate so everyone can customize their bowls.

Dive into this delicious vegan pho recipe and enjoy a warm bowl of comforting flavors that will leave you craving for more!