Sunday Pho Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

If you’ve ever had the joy of sitting down to a steaming bowl of Pho, you’ll know it’s much more than just soup. Pho is the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, a dish that brings together the warmth of slow-simmered broth, the freshness of herbs, and the satisfying texture of tender noodles. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, making Pho at home is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

This recipe isn’t just a regular Pho soup. We’re bringing in a twist to the traditional by using a mix of unexpected herbs and spices. It’s easy, comforting, and filled with bold flavors—just like Sunday should feel.

The Idea: Why This Pho Recipe is Special

Pho is traditionally made with beef or chicken, but today we’ll be making it with a rich bone broth and a few secret ingredients that will elevate it beyond your usual bowl. We’ll use fresh herbs and a splash of lime to balance the deep flavors of the broth, creating a light yet satisfying experience. This isn’t just any Sunday Pho—it’s the ultimate comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• For the Broth:
  • 1 lb beef bones (or chicken bones, if you prefer a lighter broth)
  • 1 onion, peeled and halved
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, smashed
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tbsp rock sugar (or regular sugar)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 10 cups water
  • Salt to taste
• For the Soup:
  • 1 lb rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • 2 cups thinly sliced beef or chicken (optional, you can use tofu for a vegetarian version)
  • Fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, mint
  • Lime wedges
  • Bean sprouts
  • Thinly sliced onions
  • Sriracha or hoisin sauce (for serving)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Roast the Onion and Ginger: Start by roasting the onion and ginger. Place them on a baking sheet and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until slightly charred. This brings out the smokiness in the broth and adds a deep layer of flavor.
2. Make the Broth: In a large pot, add the beef bones (or chicken bones) along with the roasted onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and rock sugar. Cover with 10 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and simmer for at least 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. Skim off any impurities that float to the surface.
3. Strain the Broth: After the broth has simmered, strain out the bones and spices. Return the broth to the pot and add fish sauce and salt to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking—more fish sauce for depth, or salt for balance.
4. Prepare the Noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Assemble the Soup: To serve, divide the cooked noodles into bowls. If you’re adding meat, layer the thinly sliced beef or chicken on top. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and meat. The hot broth will cook the meat just perfectly.
6. Garnish: Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs—basil, cilantro, and mint. Add a handful of bean sprouts and a few thin slices of onion for crunch. Serve with lime wedges and a drizzle of sriracha or hoisin sauce on the side.

The Perfect Bowl of Pho: A Simple Experience

This Pho recipe is more than just food; it’s an experience. The deep, aromatic broth warms you from the inside out, while the freshness of the herbs and lime cuts through the richness of the soup. It’s a dish that invites you to relax, take your time, and savor every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken works beautifully in this recipe. If you prefer a lighter broth, chicken bones will provide a lovely depth of flavor without being too rich.

How long should I simmer the broth?

The longer you simmer the broth, the richer it becomes. At least 3 hours is ideal, but you can simmer it for up to 6 hours if you want a super flavorful base.

Can I make Pho vegetarian?

Yes! You can make Pho vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding tofu instead of meat. The key is in the broth, so make sure to load it up with spices and herbs to create that authentic Pho flavor.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

While these spices are traditional in Pho, you can skip or substitute them depending on what you have. If you can’t find fennel or coriander seeds, a small pinch of ground fennel or coriander powder will work.

A Closing Thought:

On Sundays, we often find ourselves looking for ways to unwind, slow down, and enjoy simple pleasures. Pho is that perfect companion. It’s a warm bowl of comfort that doesn’t require a lot of effort but rewards you with incredible flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, this Sunday Pho recipe brings a touch of home, no matter where you are. Give it a try this weekend and enjoy the magic of a homemade Pho soup. It’s truly the kind of dish that can turn a regular Sunday into something memorable.