Vietnam - Beef Noodle Soup (Banh Pho Bo)

Beef Noodle Soup 

(Banh Pho Bo)

Ingredients

-       3 large onions

-       1 tbs peanut oil

-       5 lb beef & chicken bones (choose ones with meat as well)

-       4 ginger slices - julienned

-       2 carrots -julienned

-       1 small cinnamon stick

-       1 star anise

-       1 tbs whole black peppercorn

-       2 garlic clove - crushed

-       1/2 lb bean sprouts

-       1/2 lb beef sirloin - finely sliced

-       1 scallion - finely sliced

-       1/4 cup chopped cilantro

-       4 chillies - sliced

-       2 limes (cut into wedges)

-       8 oz rice sticks - soaked in hot and drained

-       3 tbs Nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)

-       Black pepper to taste

Directions

-       Slice 2 of the onions into 1/4 inch slices. Heat 1 tbs oil in a frying pan and add the sliced onions

-       Cook, stirring, until the outside has browned.

-       Remove and drain .

-       Slice the remaining onion into paper-thin slices and set aside.

-       Rinse the bones and place in a stockpot.

-       Cover with cold water and bring slowly to a boil

-       Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered (For a clear broth skim off foam).

-       After 10 - 15 minutes, add browned onion and ginger, carrots, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, garlic and peppercorns.

-       Bring to a boil .

-       Simmer the stock, partially covered for 6 to 12 hours, skimming regularly. If necessary add more water to keep the bones covered.

-       Strain the stock, skim off, and discard any fat.

-       To serve: Arrange the sliced beef on a platter.

-       Garnish with reserved white and green onion.

-       On another platter, arrange the bean sprouts, coriander, chiles and limes.

-       Meanwhile, plunge the rice sticks in boiling water to heat and drain.

-       Place equal portions in each soup bowl and cover to keep warm .

-       Heat beef stock to boiling and season with fish sauce and pepper.

-       Pour into a soup tureen or chafing dish.

-       At the table, place the soup on a portable warmer to keep hot.

-       Offer each guest a bowl of warm rice noodles.

-       Each diner adds some beef and onion to a bowl and Ladle the hot stock over the meat, stirring to cook the meat.

-       Add the bean sprouts, coriander, chiles, and lime to taste.

-       Enjoy with chopsticks and a soup spoon