Aromatic Vegetarian Pho with Fresh Herbs and Noodles
Delve into the flavors of Vietnam with this comforting and aromatic Vegetarian Pho, featuring a medley of fresh herbs, tender rice noodles, and savory seitan. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, this soup embodies a symphony of vibrant flavors and textures. Each bowl is a harmonious blend of a warm, spiced broth infused with garlic, ginger, and aromatic herbs, providing a truly satisfying and wholesome experience. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe not only celebrates the beauty of plant-based eating but also brings a taste of the beloved Vietnamese street food to your kitchen.
6
Servings
200
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice noodles
1 lb (dried)
seitan
8 ounces (drained and sliced)
bean sprouts
1/4 cup (fresh)
napa cabbage
1/2 cup (shredded)
tender greens
1/2 cup (bite-sized pieces)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (torn)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
scallions
3 (thinly sliced)
peanuts
3 tablespoons (chopped, roasted, unsalted (optional))
lime
1 (cut into wedges)
fresh red or green chili peppers
3 (seeded and cut into rounds)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
clear vegetable stock
8 cups
Braggs liquid aminos
3 tablespoons
garlic cloves
8 medium (peeled and chopped coarsely)
onion
1 small (diced)
gingerroot
1 inch (charred on all sides)
cinnamon sticks
2 (3 inches each)
star anise pods
2
bay leaves
2 large
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the broth. In a large stockpot, combine the vegetable stock, Braggs liquid aminos, garlic, and onion. Bring to a rolling boil.
2
While the broth heats, char the ginger on all sides over a flame or in a dry skillet and add it to the pot.
3
Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat and let the broth simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, partially covered. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before straining out the solids.
4
In a separate pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the rice noodles. Let them soak for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they have softened. Drain and set aside.
5
In the simmering broth, add the sliced seitan and cook for about 4 minutes or until heated through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the seitan and slice it into thin pieces.
6
Divide the soaked noodles among soup bowls. Top each portion with the warm seitan.
7
Artfully arrange the bean sprouts, shredded napa cabbage, tender greens, fresh basil, cilantro, and scallions on top.
8
Ladle the hot broth into each bowl, ensuring to cover the noodles and vegetables. Garnish with chopped peanuts, if using.
9
Serve the soup with lime wedges, chili rounds, salt, and fresh ground pepper on the side for individual customization.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
33g
Carbs
8g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Vegetarian Pho with Fresh Herbs and Noodles?
It is a comforting Vietnamese-inspired soup featuring a spiced vegetable broth, rice noodles, savory seitan, and a variety of fresh herbal toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and uses plant-based ingredients like vegetable stock and seitan.
Is this Pho recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed including seitan and vegetable stock, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the primary protein source in this vegetarian Pho?
The main protein source is 8 ounces of drained and sliced seitan.
What type of noodles are used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried rice noodles.
How do you prepare the rice noodles?
The noodles are prepared by soaking them in 4 quarts of boiled water (off the heat) for 15 minutes until softened.
How long should the rice noodles soak?
They should soak for 15 minutes, with occasional stirring.
What ingredients are used to make the broth base?
The broth is made from vegetable stock, Braggs liquid aminos, garlic, onion, and charred ginger.
Why is the ginger charred before adding it to the broth?
Charring the ginger over a flame or in a dry skillet helps release its aromatic oils and adds a smoky depth to the Pho broth.
Which whole spices are used for aroma?
The broth is infused with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and bay leaves.
How long should the Pho broth simmer?
The broth should simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How many garlic cloves are in the broth?
The recipe uses 8 medium garlic cloves, peeled and chopped coarsely.
What is Braggs liquid aminos?
It is a liquid protein seasoning used here to provide a savory, salty flavor similar to soy sauce.
How do you prepare the seitan?
The seitan is added to the simmering broth for about 4 minutes to heat through, then removed and sliced into thin pieces.
How long does the seitan cook in the broth?
It needs about 4 minutes in the simmering broth to be heated through.
What fresh herbs are added as toppings?
The soup is topped with fresh basil leaves, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced scallions.
What kind of cabbage is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of shredded napa cabbage.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
The recipe includes chopped roasted peanuts as an optional garnish.
What items are served on the side for customization?
It is served with lime wedges, chili rounds, salt, and fresh ground pepper on the side.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this Pho?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content?
There are 5 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, the spiciness can be adjusted individually by adding fresh red or green chili rounds at the table.
What size should the tender greens be?
The tender greens should be prepared in bite-sized pieces.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 8 cups of clear vegetable stock.
How is the dish assembled?
Divide noodles into bowls, top with sliced seitan, add fresh vegetables and herbs, then ladle the hot broth over everything.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners due to its satisfying and wholesome nature.