Pho -- Vietnamese soup. Ever made it?

[Deleted]

I suppose I should have posted this here rather than in the recipes thread??? Apologies for duplicate postings.

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It's that time of year when I like to make big pots of soup.... I was thinking of trying to make some Pho. The recipes online are similar except for the spices.

Has anyone here actually made Pho? And if so, what are the spices that most make it taste like the stuff you get at the restaurants?

TIA

[chiver78]

no, I've never made it, but I'm curious as well. I sadly have to steer clear of many restaurant-made Asian dishes due to my shellfish allergy, but if I can figure out how to make it on my own, I'd be all over that. thanks for asking the question, I'll be lurking here with you.

[Deleted]

Well, I'm going to give it a shot. I decided to go with a recipe that has fewer spices--mainly so I don't have to buy them. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I'll probably make something similar to this: vietworldkitchen.typepad.com/blog/2007/06/chicken_pho_noo.html

Although I'm actually going to use leftover turkey and turkey bones.

[Deleted]

I'm a just a bit outside civilized society (not by much). Couldn't even find Thai basil or star anise. We'll see how it goes. I know the turkey will be different, but I do like turkey soup, so hopefully it will still be good.

[Deleted]

That was my though. One I did find was cardamom. $12.50 for a typical size bottle.

Anyway, the Pho actually turned out pretty well. I didn't follow the recipe exactly, though. And fearing the turkey broth was a little to "strong", I diluted it with some water and chicken flavoring.

Thai basil had to be regular basil instead, but that was ok. Bean sprouts were pea sprouts, and I added carrots and celery.

DW and DS both loved it, too.