Pho Chay

Pho Chay is a fragrant and hearty Vietnamese noodle soup that showcases a rich vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This dairy-free dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and rice noodles, making it a soothing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Vegetable broth - 1 liter
• Rice noodles - 100 grams
• Mushrooms (shiitake or oyster) - 100 grams, sliced
• Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
• Radish - 1 medium, julienned
• Bean sprouts - 100 grams
• Tofu (firm) - 150 grams, cubed
• Onion - 1 small, sliced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch piece, sliced
• Star anise - 2 pods
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Lime - 1, cut into wedges
• Fresh basil - a handful
• Cilantro - a handful
• Chili pepper - 1, sliced (optional)

Steps

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and remaining vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Strain the broth to remove the spices and set aside. Return the broth to the pot and add the sliced mushrooms, carrot, and radish. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Add the cubed tofu and bean sprouts to the broth, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
7. Garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, and sliced chili pepper if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 1.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.

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