Simple Vegetarian Pho

Ingredients

• Broth:
• 3 (32 fluid ounce) containers vegetable broth
• 6 stalks lemon grass, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon®)
• 5 whole star anise pods
• Noodles and Garnish:
• 1 (16 ounce) package dried thin rice noodles
• 1 (8 ounce) package bean sprouts
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 limes, sliced, or as desired
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 (.75 ounce) package fresh basil
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced
• Flavoring:
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce, or to taste
• ¼ cup soy sauce, or to taste
• ¼ cup chile paste, or to taste
• ¼ cup sesame oil, or to taste

Step 1

Pour the vegetable broth into a saucepan. Add the lemongrass, vegetable bouillon, and star anise pods, then bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down and let it simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes so all those flavors can blend together. When it’s ready, fish out the lemongrass and star anise and toss them.

Step 2

While the broth is simmering, soak the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for around 10 minutes until they’re soft. Drain them well, then use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into shorter, easier-to-eat pieces. Divide the noodles between your soup bowls.

Step 3

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles to warm everything through. Set out bowls of bean sprouts, mushrooms, lime wedges, cilantro, basil, and green onions so everyone can add their favorite fresh toppings. You can also put out small bowls with teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil to customize the flavor. Let everyone build their perfect bowl of pho and enjoy!