This vegetarian pho delight recipe brings together the aromatic spices of traditional Vietnamese pho with the hearty texture of shiitake mushrooms and the lightness of vegetable broth. It's a vegetarian-friendly spin on a classic dish, offering a feast of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds without the meat.
Our recipe calls for a few ingredients that might not typically be found in your pantry: Frontier Co-op spices (cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise), reduced-sodium tamari, and shiitake mushrooms. These ingredients are essential for creating the authentic flavors of pho. Reduced-sodium tamari is a healthier alternative to traditional soy sauce, and shiitake mushrooms provide a meaty texture without the actual meat. You can find these ingredients at your local supermarket or Asian grocery store.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Pho Delight
Cinnamon sticks: They add a warm, sweet, and woody flavor to the broth.
Whole cloves: These are used to infuse the broth with a strong, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor.
Star anise: This contributes a licorice-like flavor to the broth.
White onion: It gives the broth a sweet and sharp flavor.
Fresh ginger: It imparts a hot and spicy flavor to the broth.
Vegetable stock: This forms the base of the pho broth.
Reduced-sodium tamari: It's a healthier alternative to soy sauce, adding a rich, salty flavor.
Rice noodles: They are the staple of any pho dish, providing a delightful chewy texture.
Avocado oil: It's used to sauté the mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms add a meaty texture and umami flavor to the dish.
Mung bean sprouts, fresh basil, fresh mint, green onions, fresh jalapeño, small lime wedges: These are all garnishes that add fresh, crisp, and spicy flavors to the finished dish.
One reader, Dulcea Canales says:
This vegetarian pho delight recipe is a game-changer! The aromatic blend of spices and savory broth creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The fresh herbs and crunchy sprouts add a burst of flavor and texture. It's a delightful, nourishing dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Crafting Vegetarian Pho Delight
How to toast spices: Toasting spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
How to simmer broth: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
How to cook rice noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions, then set them aside.
How to sauté mushrooms: Cook the mushrooms in oil over medium heat until tender and lightly browned, then set them aside.
How to season broth: After straining out the onions, ginger, and spices, season the broth to taste with extra tamari and salt.
How to garnish and serve: Ladle the broth into bowls, add cooked noodles and mushrooms, and serve with mung bean sprouts, fresh basil, mint, green onions, jalapeño, and lime wedges.
How To Make Vegetarian Pho
Grab your pot and start cooking up this vegan-friendly pho recipe! This Vietnamese soup is perfectly seasoned and makes the best dinner meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Soup:
- 2Frontier Co-op cinnamon sticks3-inch
- 3Frontier Co-op whole cloves
- 2Frontier Co-op star anise
- 1large white onionpeeled and quartered
- 1fresh ginger4-inches, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 32ozvegetable stockor broth
- 4cupswater
- 2tbspreduced-sodium tamarior soy sauce
- 6ozrice noodlesone large handful
- 1tbspavocado oilor mild extra-virgin olive oil or neutral-flavored oil
- 5ozshiitake mushroomsthinly sliced
- salt
For Garnishes:
- Mung bean sprouts
- fresh basilsprigs, Thai basil or cilantro
- fresh mintsprigs
- green onionsthinly sliced, mostly green parts
- fresh jalapeñovery thinly sliced
- small lime wedges
Instructions
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Warm a medium soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
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Toast for 3 to 4 until fragrant, while stirring occasionally.
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Add the onion, ginger, vegetable stock, water and tamari.
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Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Simmer for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the rice noodles by cooking them according to package directions. Set aside.
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Warm the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
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Add the mushrooms and a few dashes of salt.
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Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned. Set aside.
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Once the broth is done cooking, strain out the onions, ginger and spices.
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Season to taste with extra tamari and salt.
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Ladle the broth into bowls, then add cooked noodles and mushrooms.
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Serve with desired garnishes, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 241.14kcal
- Fat: 4.36g
- Saturated Fat: 0.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 45.80g
- Fiber: 3.72g
- Sugar: 3.15g
- Protein: 5.30g
- Sodium: 1431.22mg
- Calcium: 59.89mg
- Potassium: 295.43mg
- Iron: 1.41mg
- Vitamin A: 8.36µg
- Vitamin C: 6.24mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Vegetarian Pho Delight Recipe
When toasting the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for your vegetarian pho, it's important to keep a close eye on them. These spices can burn quickly, which would give your broth a bitter taste. Stir them occasionally and as soon as they become fragrant, proceed to the next step. This will ensure your broth has a deep, rich flavor without any bitterness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Vegetarian Pho Recipe
Plan ahead: Prep your ingredients and spices in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles and sauté the mushrooms to save time.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought vegetable broth to skip the step of making the broth from scratch.
Chop in bulk: Chop extra onions and ginger to have on hand for future recipes, saving time on prep work.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to work efficiently and avoid unnecessary clutter.
Prep garnishes in advance: Wash and chop garnishes like mung bean sprouts, basil, and mint ahead of time for quick assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Pho Recipe
cinnamon sticks - Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for cinnamon sticks. Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for every stick called for in the recipe.
whole cloves - Substitute with ground cloves: Ground cloves can be used as a substitute for whole cloves. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves for every whole clove called for in the recipe.
star anise - Substitute with fennel seeds: Fennel seeds can be used as a substitute for star anise. Use 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds for every star anise called for in the recipe.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions. They have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger called for in the recipe.
vegetable stock - Substitute with mushroom stock: Mushroom stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable stock. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
rice noodles - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles can be used as a low-carb substitute for rice noodles. They add a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish.
avocado oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for avocado oil. It adds a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with oyster mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms can be used as a substitute for shiitake mushrooms. They have a similar meaty texture and earthy flavor.
mung bean sprouts - Substitute with radish sprouts: Radish sprouts can be used as a substitute for mung bean sprouts. They add a peppery flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for fresh basil. It adds a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.
fresh mint - Substitute with Thai basil: Thai basil can be used as a substitute for fresh mint. It adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions. They have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
fresh jalapeño - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for fresh jalapeños. They have a similar heat level and flavor profile.
lime wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can be used as a substitute for lime wedges. They add a citrusy flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Vegetarian Pho
Elevate the broth: Create a clear and flavorful vegetable broth as the base of the pho. Infuse it with aromatic cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Artful noodle arrangement: Carefully arrange the cooked rice noodles in the bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed and visually appealing. The noodles should be the foundation of the dish, providing a delightful texture and serving as a canvas for the other elements.
Mushroom medley: Sauté the shiitake mushrooms to perfection, ensuring they are tender, golden brown, and bursting with umami flavor. Arrange them strategically on top of the noodles to add a visually stunning element and a delightful burst of earthy taste.
Garnish with precision: Adorn the pho with a vibrant array of mung bean sprouts, fresh basil, fragrant mint, sliced green onions, and a touch of spicy jalapeño. Each garnish should be meticulously placed to create a harmonious and visually stunning presentation.
Citrus infusion: Serve the pho with small lime wedges on the side, allowing the diners to customize the dish with a squeeze of fresh citrus. This adds a bright and zesty element that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Attention to detail: Ensure that the bowl is meticulously cleaned and polished, presenting the pho in a vessel that reflects the care and precision put into crafting this exquisite vegetarian delight.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetarian Pho
- Soup pot or dutch oven: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for making soups, stews, and braises. It typically has a tight-fitting lid and is designed to distribute heat evenly.
- Medium skillet: A shallow cooking pan with a long handle, used for sautéing, frying, and browning ingredients.
- Strainer: A mesh or perforated utensil used to separate solids from liquids, such as straining out onions, ginger, and spices from the broth.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing, and serving food while cooking.
- Tongs: A versatile kitchen tool used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate food items, such as turning mushrooms while cooking.
- Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for chopping, slicing, and mincing ingredients like onions, ginger, and mushrooms.
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients, providing a safe and stable work area.
- Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, designed for serving and portioning out soup.
- Small bowls: Used for holding and organizing prepped ingredients, such as mung bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges for garnishing.
Storing and Freezing Your Vegetarian Pho Delight
- Let the pho cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled pho to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the pho in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pho in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed pho in a pot over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the broth seems too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little water or vegetable stock to thin it out.
- Prepare fresh rice noodles and garnishes when serving the reheated pho for the best taste and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetarian Pho Delight
- To reheat leftover vegetarian pho, start by separating the noodles, mushrooms, and any other toppings from the broth. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and overcooked during the reheating process.
- Place the broth in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. If the broth seems too thick, add a little water or vegetable stock to thin it out.
- While the broth is heating, place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave the noodles on high for 30-60 seconds, or until they are heated through and soft.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the noodles by placing them in a colander and pouring boiling water over them. Let the noodles sit for a minute or two, then drain them well before adding them to the bowl.
- Once the broth is hot, taste it and adjust the seasoning with additional tamari or salt if needed.
- Divide the heated noodles among serving bowls, then ladle the hot broth over the top.
- Add the cooked mushrooms and any other toppings you desire, such as bean sprouts, fresh herbs, green onions, and jalapeño slices.
- If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your reheated pho, consider garnishing it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or some crispy fried shallots.
- Serve the reheated vegetarian pho immediately, while it's still hot and fragrant. Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal!
Interesting Fact About Vegetarian Pho Delight
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is typically made with beef or chicken broth. However, this vegetarian version uses aromatic spices and mushrooms to create a flavorful and satisfying broth.
Is Making Vegetarian Pho at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetarian pho delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like rice noodles, shiitake mushrooms, and vegetable stock, it offers a budget-friendly option for families. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a great economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Vegetarian Pho Recipe Healthy?
This vegetarian pho recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. Here's why:
- The broth is made with vegetable stock and water, providing a low-calorie base for the soup.
- Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they add a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.
- Rice noodles are gluten-free and low in fat, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- The garnishes, such as bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges, add a burst of freshness and nutrients to the soup.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- The recipe calls for tamari, which is high in sodium. Consider reducing the amount of tamari or using a low-sodium alternative to make the dish even healthier.
- To boost the protein content, you could add tofu, edamame, or other plant-based protein sources to the soup.
- Incorporating more vegetables, such as bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers, would increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
- Instead of using avocado oil for cooking the mushrooms, you could opt for a healthier alternative like vegetable broth or water to reduce the overall fat content.
Editor's Take on This Vegetarian Pho Delight Recipe
This vegetarian pho delight recipe is a delightful and flavorful take on the traditional Vietnamese pho. The combination of aromatic spices, earthy mushrooms, and fresh herbs creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. The use of quality ingredients such as frontier co-op spices and fresh produce elevates the overall flavor profile. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the inclusion of various garnishes adds a customizable element. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and nourishing vegetarian option that is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Enhance Your Vegetarian Pho Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Vegetarian Pho Recipe:
This vegetarian pho delight recipe is crafted with care and expertise, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. The use of high-quality ingredients such as frontier co-op spices and shiitake mushrooms guarantees rich flavors and authentic taste. The meticulous instructions and thoughtful selection of fresh herbs and mung bean sprouts for garnishing reflect a commitment to creating a truly satisfying dish. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian pho that will elevate your dining experience.
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