Vegan Pho

Vegan Pho

When I moved back to California, I was introduced to Pho by my husband's cousin.

And boy did I fall hard! I mean, it has this amazing broth over these delectable rice noodles, and comes in many options. What is there not to love?

Since becoming vegan, we never go out to eat anymore. Half of it is due to finances, and the other half is because I am honestly scared of going out and being fed something that is indeed not vegan.

So my solution has been to stay at home, research and try to make my own vegan cost-friendly options! And it has been working! -so far-

(makes enough for 4 servings)

Ingredients: 

2 Star Anise

4 Cloves

A pinch of red chili pepper flakes

1 6 inch piece of Ginger (halved)

1/2 of a yellow onion (halved)

2 teaspoons light brown sugar (or rock sugar, found at many asian markets)

2 tablespoons salt (more or less to your liking)

1 cube of Vegetable Bouillon

7 button mushrooms (sliced)

2 medium sized carrots (sliced)

1/2 tofu block (cubed)

6 cups of water

Instructions:

1. On a baking sheet place onions and ginger skin side up and broil until blackened (not too burnt)

2. While those are broiling, add your spices, cloves and star anise, to a pan and roast them. Once the smells become fragrant, add your 6 cups of water and broiled onion and ginger.

3.Add your brown sugar (or rock sugar) salt, chili flakes, vegetable bouillon and bring to a boil for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, follow the directions on the package of your noodles.

4. Once your broth is done with it's boiling time, bring down to a simmer and remove all items inside. (onions, ginger, cloves, and star anise)

5. At this time, Add your mushrooms, carrots and tofu. Let those cook until they are tender.  

6. Once those are cooked, add your noodles to a bowl. Ladle your broth with veggies on top, and top with anything you like! I typically like to have Thai basil, onions, beansprouts and fresh lime when I have it. This time around I just have cilantro, onion, lemon and hoisin sauce and thats fine too!

I hope you enjoy this Vegan Pho recipe! 

This one was developed mainly as a last minute dinner tonight, so my veggies differ from time to time. Sometimes I add broccoli, baby bok choy, and jalapenos, but I didn't have any of those on hand!