| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 572 | 17g | 6g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 47g | 5.4g |
The robust, aromatic flavors of the Pho Soup with Cassia take me on a delightful journey each time I prepare it. Being a Southern belle, raised amid the magnolias and cobblestone streets of Charleston, my heart holds a treasured spot for traditional Southern charm. Yet, there’s a part of me that is constantly drawn towards exploring the world’s diverse cuisines and introducing them to my Southern kitchen. This particular recipe fits right into that adventurous culinary part of my heart. Blending the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine with the comfort of a nourishing soup, the Pho Soup with Cassia offers a taste explosion in every spoonful.
An Unforgettable Journey to Vietnam
Having the opportunity to explore Vietnamese cuisine through this recipe initially piqued my interest. This dish paints a vivid image of bustling Vietnamese street food scenes with its blend of spices, rice noodles, and the delicate flavor of cassia. While not strictly Southern fare, the warming bowl of soup evoked a bit of my biscuit and fried chicken loving soul too, much like how a generous serving of shrimp and grits does on cozy evenings.
More than Flavor: The Health Benefits
The Pho Soup with Cassia isn’t just about hearty flavors, though. This concoction brims with numerous health benefits. The star ingredient, cassia, is a powerhouse spice that not only bestows the dish with an inimitable taste but also carries impressive health benefits, including anti-diabetic properties and neuroprotective effects. The ample use of fresh herbs, especially basil and mint, adds a refreshing twist and brings their own set of nutritional value to the mix.
Tantalizing Combinations to Savor
If you’re looking to create a full Vietnamese meal, consider pairing the Pho Soup with Cassia with a fresh spring roll side dish. Maybe something like this delightful Vietnamese Shrimp Summer Roll recipe. The lightness of the spring roll balances beautifully with the rich pho. And if you want to bring in a bit of Southern influence, consider whipping up a tray of your favorite fried chicken. Though unconventional, the combination of aromatic pho with a crunchy, savory bite of chicken takes comfort food to a whole new level.
So there you have it, a delish bowl of Pho Soup with Cassia that’s a sheer joy to cook, a delight on the palate, a treasure chest of health benefits, and a mélange of my Southern roots with the delights of Vietnamese cuisine. Perfection in a bowl, wouldn’t you agree?
What You’ll Need
- 10 cups beef broth
- 2 lbs beef shank
- 2 onions, halved
- 4 inch piece of fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
- 3 star anise
- 1 cassia stick (or cinnamon stick)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 4 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 lb rice noodles
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 bunches of green onions, chopped
- 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, to serve
- Fresh mint leaves, to serve
- Hoisin sauce, to serve
- Sriracha sauce, to serve
Method
Step One:
Take a large pot and pour in the beef broth, beef shank, onions and ginger. Then add the star anise, cassia stick, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over a high heat, then reduce it to medium-low, cover it with a lid and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
Step Two:
After 2 hours, remove the beef shank, onions, ginger, star anise, and cassia stick from the pot with a slotted spoon and discard. Add in the fish sauce and brown sugar to the soup, stir well to combine. Allow it to continue simmering while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step Three:
Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse them under cold water and drain well.
Step Four:
Add the thinly sliced sirloin to the simmering soup. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s just cooked through.
Step Five:
Place some rice noodles in each serving bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, making sure to get some of the cooked sirloin as well. Garnish each bowl with the chopped green onions and cilantro.
Step Six:
Arrange the lime wedges, bean sprouts, sliced red chili peppers, fresh basil leaves, and mint leaves on a separate platter. Allow each person to add these garnishes to their own bowl of soup as desired.
Step Seven:
Lastly, serve your Pho Soup with Cassia with hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the side. Everyone can add as much as they want to their soup to taste.
