Herbal Vegetarian Pho Delight
This Herbal Vegetarian Pho Delight is a fragrant, low-calorie soup packed with rich, savory flavors that will warm your soul. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, it features aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon, complemented by the fresh crunch of bean sprouts and the zesty brightness of lime. This delightful dish is full of nutritious ingredients and offers a wonderfully filling experience, making it an excellent choice for any meal. While optional seitan adds protein, this recipe remains deliciously satisfying even without it. Enjoy a comforting bowl of wellness with every serving!
4
Servings
75
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (chopped)
green chili pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
ginger
3 slices
star anise
2 (whole)
cinnamon stick
1
tamari (or soy sauce)
3 tablespoons
vegetable broth
6 cups
peanut oil
1 tablespoon
seitan
4 ounces (cut into strips (optional))
hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons
lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
barley miso (or regular white miso)
2 tablespoons
hot water
2 tablespoons
rice noodles
6 ounces (soaked in cold water for 15 minutes and drained)
bean sprouts
1/2 cup (for garnish)
scallions
4 (chopped for garnish)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In your crock pot, combine the chopped onion, green chili pepper, ginger slices, star anise, cinnamon stick, tamari, and vegetable broth. Cover and let it cook on low heat for about 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2
While the broth is cooking, heat peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seitan strips and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3
After 6 hours, carefully strain the broth to remove the solid ingredients and return the clear broth to the crock pot.
4
In a small cup, mix the barley miso with hot water until well dissolved.
5
In a separate small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce and lime juice, then add the dissolved miso mixture. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
6
Pour this mixture into the broth in the crock pot. Then, add the soaked and drained rice noodles and the browned seitan into the broth. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice noodles are tender.
7
To serve, ladle the fragrant soup into bowls and generously garnish with fresh bean sprouts, chopped scallions, and cilantro.
Nutrition Information
1.75g
Fat
13g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbal Vegetarian Pho Delight?
It is a fragrant, low-calorie vegetarian soup featuring aromatic spices and rice noodles, slow-cooked in a crock pot.
How many calories are in a serving of this Pho?
There are 75 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a vegetarian dish.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, the recipe includes a vegan option tag; ensure your hoisin and miso are vegan-friendly.
What is the primary cooking method?
The broth is slow-cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker.
How long does the broth need to cook in the crock pot?
The broth should cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours.
Which aromatic spices are used in the broth?
The broth uses star anise and a cinnamon stick for its signature aroma.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the seitan?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of peanut oil.
How do I prepare the seitan?
Cut the seitan into strips and sauté them in a skillet until they are golden brown.
Is seitan a required ingredient?
No, seitan is optional, though it adds protein to the dish.
How should the onion be prepared?
One onion should be chopped before being added to the crock pot.
What preparation is needed for the green chili pepper?
The green chili pepper should be seeded and chopped.
What can I use instead of tamari?
You can use regular soy sauce as a substitute for tamari.
How much vegetable broth is required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of vegetable broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 1.75g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bowl?
Each serving contains 13g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this soup?
There is 2.5g of protein per serving.
Does this Pho contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
What type of noodles are recommended?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of rice noodles.
How should the rice noodles be prepped?
Soak the rice noodles in cold water for 15 minutes and then drain them.
Why do I need to strain the broth?
The broth is strained after 6 hours to remove solids like the onion, ginger, and whole spices for a clear liquid.
What kind of miso is used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of barley miso or regular white miso.
How do I incorporate the miso into the soup?
Dissolve the miso in hot water first, then mix it with hoisin sauce and lime juice before adding to the broth.
When should the noodles be added to the crock pot?
Add the noodles after straining the broth and adding the sauce mixture.
What fresh garnishes are used for serving?
Garnish with fresh bean sprouts, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe considered low calorie?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-calorie and healthy meal option.
How many scallions are needed for the garnish?
You will need 4 chopped scallions.
How much lime juice is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of lime juice.
How long do the noodles cook in the broth before serving?
Cook the noodles in the broth for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until tender.