Lemon Grass and Chicken Pho

Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup, is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. While beef pho is the most popular variation, chicken pho is a lighter and equally delicious alternative. In this recipe, we will explore how to make a flavorful and comforting bowl of Lemon Grass and Chicken Pho.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 stalks of lemon grass
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces rice noodles
• Bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by poaching the chicken breasts. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Broth

In a large pot, add the chicken broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced ginger, lemon grass stalks (bruised with the back of a knife), star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the broth to remove all the solid ingredients. Return the strained broth to the pot and discard the solids.

Step 4: Season the Broth

Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to the broth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Simmer the broth for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Rice Noodles

In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 6: Assemble the Pho

Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Top the noodles with the shredded chicken. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and chicken, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged. The hot broth will warm up the chicken and noodles.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the pho with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, and lime wedges. These fresh herbs and citrusy lime will add brightness and freshness to the dish. Serve the Lemon Grass and Chicken Pho hot and enjoy!

Pho is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add sliced jalapenos or Sriracha sauce if you prefer some heat. The beauty of pho lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavors it offers. With this recipe, you can now create a comforting bowl of Lemon Grass and Chicken Pho in the comfort of your own kitchen.