Vietnam - Vegetarian Vietnamese Broth

Vegetarian Vietnamese Broth

(Makes 8 cups)

Ingredients

-       8 cups clear vegetable stock

-       3 Tablespoons soy sauce

-       8 medium garlic cloves, peeled and chopped coarsely

-       1 small onion, diced

-       One 1-inch piece of ginger

-       Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks

-       2 pods of star anise

-       2 large bay leaves

Directions

-       Put stock, soy sauce, garlic, and onion in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium heat.

-       Meanwhile, char ginger on all sides over an open gas flame or in a small skillet.

-       Add to the stock.

-       Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and bay leaves to the broth.

-       Reduce the heat to low.

-       Simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes.

-       Remove solids with a slotted spoon or strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve.

-       Adjust seasonings if necessary.

-       Return to pot and keep hot until ready to use in soup.