Pho (Vietnamese Beef Soup)

1. 1

   Boil beef (with bones) or oxtails in 3 quarts cold water.

2. 2

   Skim off foam and fat.

3. 3

   Cover and simmer for 4 hours.

4. 4

   Broil onion until flesh is soft, turning often.

5. 5

   Peel.

6. 6

   Add onion, ginger, anise, salt and fish sauce to beef broth just before it has finished simmering.

7. 7

   Also just before beef broth finishes simmering, drop vermicelli into a pot of boiling water.

8. 8

   Cook 8 minutes, remove from water, rinse in cold water and drain.

9. 9

   Divide vermicelli into hree equal portions and place in 3 individual serving bowls.

10. 10

    Divide beef into 3 equal portions and place on top of vermicelli in the bowls.

11. 11

    Garnish each bowl with scallions and 2 or 3 fresh cilantro sprigs.

12. 12

    Strain broth; reserving beef and flavorings.

13. 13

    Pour one cup broth over contents of each bowl.

14. 14

    Sprinkle with pepper and chiles.

15. 15

    Serve immediately.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.