One of my favourite things about travel is trying different foods
Vietnam is one of THE best countries I've ever been to for vegan food - theres an incredible diversity of flavours and recipes, and they're sooo good - light, flavoursome, and super healthy.
I've spent a few months in Vietnam and remember the food vividly - pho is a staple.
Traditional pho is beef based, this is a vegan version, and is super tasty and fragrant - my kids both loved it and asked for more!!
It's normally served with bowls of fresh local leafy greens and herbs on the side - I didnt have access to these, but if you can find them they're amazing!!
Recipe here
Broth:
5 star anise
4 cloves
2 green cardamom pods
1 Tbsp coriander seeds
3 cinnamon sticks
3 inches ginger, grated
1 stick lemongrass (OK to omit)
1 white onion, peeled and chopped in half
8 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp Soy sauce
2 tsp rice wine vinegar
Additions:
400g firm tofu, sliced into 8 pieces
400g pho rice noodles
1 head brocolli, chopped
1 carrot, sliced into rounds
200g button mushrooms, sliced
2 heads Bok choy, coarsely chopped
200g Mung bean sprouts
Chopped fresh or frozen red chilli (optional) and fresh lemon or lime to serve.
Dry fry Spices in a large pot for a minute until fragrant
Add stock, ginger and onion, bring to a boil then simmer for around 30min
Place tofu on baking dish with a splash of oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for around 10min in oven on either side (or until light brown) while prepping veges
If you have time, you can add the veges to the broth once it's cooked and drained . If you're in a rush, then place all veges apart from Bok choy and sprouts in a small sauce pan and simmer until just soft
Prepare rice noodles, drain, and mix with a splash of Sesame oil
Once broth cooked, pour through sieve into another pot to remove Spices, then rest of seasoning
Add cooked veges to pot, and simmer for a few minutes to heat
Serve in wide bowls with a handful of noodles in each one, and top with sprouts, Bok choy, and sliced chilli. Squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice to taste.
Enjoy!!