Simple Vegetarian Pho Broth Recipe

Name: Simple Vegetarian Pho Broth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large onion (about 1/2 pound), peeled and quartered; 1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger; 3 quarts water; 1 pound leeks (1 1/2 large), tough ends cut away, halved lengthwise, cleaned and cut in thick slices; 2 medium turnips (about 10 ounces), peeled and cut in wedges; 1 pound carrots (3 large), peeled and sliced thick; 2 ounces mushroom stems (from about 8 ounces mushrooms), or 4 dried shiitakes; 1 head of garlic, cut in half; 2 stalks lemon grass, trimmed, smashed with the side of a knife, and sliced; Salt to taste; 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar (to taste), preferably raw brown sugar; 6 star anise pods; 5 whole cloves; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; A 2- to 3-inch cinnamon stick; 1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam), to taste (optional)

Servings: persons

1 large onion (about 1/2 pound), peeled and quartered
1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger
3 quarts water
1 pound leeks (1 1/2 large), tough ends cut away, halved lengthwise, cleaned and cut in thick slices
2 medium turnips (about 10 ounces), peeled and cut in wedges
1 pound carrots (3 large), peeled and sliced thick
2 ounces mushroom stems (from about 8 ounces mushrooms), or 4 dried shiitakes
1 head of garlic, cut in half
2 stalks lemon grass, trimmed, smashed with the side of a knife, and sliced
Salt to taste
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar (to taste), preferably raw brown sugar
6 star anise pods
5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
A 2- to 3-inch cinnamon stick
1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam), to taste (optional)

1
Scorch the onion and ginger by holding the pieces above a flame with tongs, or in a dry frying pan if using an electric stove.
2
Turn the pieces until they are scorched black in places on all sides.
3
Slice the ginger lengthwise.
4
Combine the scorched onion and ginger with the water, leeks, turnips, carrots, mushroom stems or dried shiitakes, garlic, lemon grass, salt to taste and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large soup pot and bring to a boil.
5
Tie the spices in a cheesecloth bag and add to the soup.
6
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
7
Add the fish sauce if using, and simmer for another hour (2 hours total, with or without the fish sauce).
8
Strain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer.
9
Taste and adjust salt and sugar.

488

kcal

Calories

114

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 large onion (about 1/2 pound), peeled and quartered, 1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger, 3 quarts water, 1 pound leeks (1 1/2 large), tough ends cut away, halved lengthwise, cleaned and cut in thick slices, and more.

Yes, Simple Vegetarian Pho Broth falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Simple Vegetarian Pho Broth

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions