Delicious and Nutritious Pho Rau Cai: A Vegan Vietnamese Delight

Ingredients

  • 8 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 200 grams of rice noodles
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets
  • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup of snow peas
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, pour the vegetable broth and add the onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
  4. After the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids.
  5. Add the soy sauce to the strained broth and taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Bring the strained broth back to a simmer over medium heat, then add the carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, and bell pepper. Let them cook until they are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
  7. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls, then ladle the hot broth and vegetables over them.
  8. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil and mint leaves, lime wedges, and jalapeno slices if using. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the broth and vegetables.
  • Fine-mesh sieve - Used to strain the broth and remove solids.
  • Knife - Required for mincing garlic, slicing ginger, and chopping vegetables.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure soy sauce and other seasonings.
  • Pot or bowl - To strain the broth and hold the strained liquid.
  • Tongs - Helpful for stirring and handling hot ingredients.
  • Serving bowls - Needed to serve the pho.
  • Ladle - Used to transfer the hot broth into serving bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Add tofu or tempeh to make it a vegetarian/vegan pho
  • Replace the vegetable broth with mushroom broth for a richer flavor
  • Swap the rice noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
  • Include different vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, or baby corn
  • Add protein such as sliced seitan, vegan meat substitutes, or cooked chickpeas
  • Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or Thai basil
  • Add a dash of hoisin sauce or sriracha for a touch of sweetness or spiciness
  • Use vegetable pho cubes or concentrate instead of homemade broth for convenience
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
  • Make it more fragrant by adding a few drops of toasted sesame oil

Recipe overview

Pho Rau Cai is a delightful Vietnamese soup that is packed full of vibrant flavors and nutritious vegetables. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own Pho Rau Cai at home, allowing you to experience the rich broth infused with the aromas of star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. You'll also learn how to prepare the vegetables and rice noodles that give the soup its hearty and satisfying texture. This vegetarian version of the classic pho is a beautiful combination of ingredients that are not only pleasing to the palate, but also pleasing to the eye with its array of colors. In this recipe, we'll start by preparing the broth, giving it the time it needs to develop its nuanced flavors. We'll then move on to preparing the vegetables and noodles, before combining everything into a harmonious and warming soup. Finally, we'll finish off with fresh herbs and lime for that added zest. Whether it's a chilly day and you're in need of some comfort food, or you're just looking for a healthy meal full of fresh vegetables, Pho Rau Cai is a wonderful choice that will surely impress. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam with this delightful Pho Rau Cai recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version of Pho Rau Cai.
  2. Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as udon noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have rice noodles on hand. However, rice noodles are traditionally used in Pho Rau Cai.
  3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your preference. Some popular additions include bean sprouts, bok choy, or baby corn.
  4. Is there a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce? Yes, you can use soy sauce as a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce. It will add a similar savory flavor to the broth.
  5. How can I make the broth more flavorful? To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a tablespoon of miso paste or a splash of tamari sauce. Additionally, simmering the broth for a longer time will intensify the flavors.
  6. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and continue with the recipe, adding the fresh vegetables and noodles.
  7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce, and ensuring that the rice noodles you use are labeled gluten-free.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pho Rau Cai, a vegetarian version of the classic Vietnamese soup Pho, offers a delightful spin on a beloved dish. While Pho is traditionally made with beef, the origins of Pho Rau Cai pay homage to Vietnam's rich Buddhist traditions, where many followers practice vegetarianism. This dish is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the ability to maintain depth and complexity of flavor, even without meat. The infusion of aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, alongside the freshness of various vegetables, replicates the soul-soothing warmth of the original Pho, affirming that indeed, food is a language that transcends dietary preferences, echoing the cultural heartbeat of Vietnam in every nourishing bowl.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.