Try this Vietnamese pho with zucchini noodles recipe
Vietnamese pho, traditionally made with aromatic broth and rice noodles, has been a staple in Vietnam since the early 20th century. Originating as a hearty breakfast in northern Vietnam, this version uses zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option. Known for its complex flavors and comforting qualities, pho has gained worldwide popularity. Let's bring this vegetarian twist on a classic to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
For this vegetarian Vietnamese pho with zucchini noodles, you'll need two spiralized zucchinis, one sliced onion, four minced garlic cloves, a two-inch sliced ginger piece, four cups vegetable broth, two tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option), one cinnamon stick, three star anise pods, four cloves, fresh cilantro or basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges for serving, and optional hot sauce.
Prepare the aromatic broth
Heat a large pot over medium heat and char the sliced onions without oil for added flavor depth. Then, saute minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), a cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and whole cloves. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low, uncovered, for 25 minutes to infuse the broth with spices.
Spiralize your zucchini noodles
As your broth simmers, blending those complex pho flavors, start preparing your zucchini noodles. If lacking a spiralizer, a julienne peeler works well as an alternative. Spiralize or peel the zucchinis into "zoodles," setting them aside afterward. This step is key, ensuring your noodles are prepped and ready to be added to the flavorful broth, maintaining the dish's light and nutritious profile.
Assemble your bowl
After infusing the broth with spices for 25 minutes, remove it from heat and strain to leave only the clear broth. Warm this broth over low heat. Then, place spiralized zucchini noodles into bowls and pour the hot broth over them. This ensures the noodles soften slightly while retaining a crunchy texture, offering a noodle-like experience without the heaviness.
Garnish and serve
Now comes the fun part - garnishing! Top each bowl with thin slices of onion, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side. This allows everyone to customize their bowl according to taste preferences. Adding hot sauce if desired gives that extra kick, making it a truly authentic experience at home. Enjoy immediately while it's steaming hot!
