re: Lets Talk Pho

I really want to try it at home, like on a rainy weekend...just to say I did it.

Somebody mentioned it would be cheaper going out to get it. That's probably true, but I like knowing I can do it for myself. Thanks for the info. I kind of thought you were joking..It was funny, and it was late.

Either way,

That looks awesome..

Ingredients
•1 teaspoon vegetable oil
•1/2 small onion
•4 garlic cloves, crushed
•1 3x1" piece peeled ginger
•2 1/2 cups low-salt beef broth
•1 whole star anise
•1 3"–4" cinnamon stick
•4 ounces (2 cups) mixed mushrooms (such as oyster or stemmed shiitake), thinly sliced or torn
•1 scallion, thinly sliced
•Kosher salt
•2 packages instant ramen (preferably not fried; noodles only)
•1 1/4–1/2-pound piece beef eye round, sliced crosswise 1/8" thick
•Bean sprouts, basil leaves, and thinly sliced serrano chiles
Preparation
•Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion, cut side down, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden, 3–4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water, broth, star anise, and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until flavors meld, 7–8 minutes. Add mushrooms; simmer 2 minutes. Add scallion. Season with salt.
•Meanwhile, boil ramen until tender but still firm to bite. Drain; divide among bowls.
•Add beef slices to soup; simmer until just cooked through, about 20 seconds. Using tongs, transfer beef to bowls.
•Discard ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon; ladle broth into bowls. Garnish with bean sprouts, basil, and sliced chiles.



try veg stock and shrimp instead of beef

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I just leave it up to the pros.

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Agreed. Some things just aren't worth cooking at home.

Here in Houma/Raceland..... have to drive clear across town. I just want to try to say I did it.

There is a restaurant in Chicago La Colonial a Vietnamese place that had some of the best Pho I had.



PM, is there a place in NOLA do you rec?

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I just leave it up to the pros.


Agreed. Some things just aren't worth cooking at home.

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You could take that approach with other things like gumbo too though

It's no more difficult than Gumbo IMO

I would say it's worth it because you can get the oxtails, although I think you can get that at Magasin

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PM, is there a place in NOLA do you rec?

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I used to like Pho Orchid in Metairie

From what I understand there are better places on the West Bank for Pho

I've always enjoyed Pho Orchid, Pho Bang, and there is a place in Kenner next to Mr Ed's on West Esplanade that was pretty solid as well.

I haven't tried Magasin but I've heard good things

Kim Ahn's has been slacking. Last three times I have been the broth has been off. Picked up last night and I couldn't even finish it. Tasted like hot water

You can also use sugar candy instead of cinnamon. Well that's what my family uses. Also, wrap the ginger and onion in aluminum foil and cooked on top of the stove. It gives it that nice grill flavor. Also, try getting pho Hoa seasoning. I never heard mushrooms in pho before, so good luck with that lol.