Ingredients and Weight:
- Dried rice noodles: 8 ounces
- Vegetable broth: 8 cups
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Star anise: 2 whole
- Cinnamon sticks: 2 (3-inch) sticks
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and cut into thin slices
- Celery: 1 pound, cut into thin slices
- Shiitake mushrooms: 4 ounces, sliced
- Broccoli: 1 small head, cut into florets
- Bean sprouts: 4 cups
- Fresh cilantro: 1 cup, chopped
- Fresh mint: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lime wedges: for serving
- Sriracha sauce (optional): for serving
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the broth: In a large pot, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger in a little vegetable broth until softened. Add the star anise, cinnamon sticks, soy sauce, and remaining vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, shiitake mushrooms, and broccoli to the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the bean sprouts, cilantro, and mint. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve: Divide the noodles among bowls and ladle the soup over. Garnish with lime wedges and Sriracha sauce, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Comforting and flavorful vegetarian soup
- Easy to prepare with ingredients readily available in supermarkets
- Customizable with optional garnishes
- Suitable for American taste buds, with a balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors
User Comments:
- "This soup is absolutely delicious and so easy to make. I love the combination of vegetables and the rich broth."
- "I'm not a big fan of pho, but this vegetarian version is amazing. It's so flavorful and satisfying."
- "The perfect soup for a cold winter day. It's hearty, comforting, and packed with vegetables."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- If you can't find shiitake mushrooms, use cremini or button mushrooms instead.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch.