Easy Pho Recipe: Immune-Boosting Comfort Food for Winter
- What is Pho?
- Why Pho is Perfect for Winter Health
- Key Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
- Easy Tips for Making the Perfect Pho at Home
- Step-by-Step Summary
- Conclusion
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, aromatic bowl of pho to comfort you during the cold winter months. This immune-boosting pho recipe is perfect for those who want a healthy yet incredibly flavorful meal that brings both comfort and nourishment. If you’re looking for an easy, healthy dish to add to your winter cooking repertoire, then this pho recipe might be just what you need!
What is Pho?
Pho (pronounced “fuh” as in “duh”) is a traditional Vietnamese soup that originated in the early 20th century. It’s thought to have been influenced by both French and Chinese culinary traditions during Vietnam’s colonial era. Pho is a broth-based dish, often made with beef or chicken, and served with rice noodles and aromatic herbs.
After the Geneva Accords in 1954, pho made its way from Northern to Southern Vietnam, where it became more popular and evolved further with additional garnishes like cilantro, lime, and Thai basil. Today, pho is enjoyed worldwide, especially for its comforting warmth and versatility.
Why Pho is Perfect for Winter Health
Pho isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits, making it an excellent choice for winter. From boosting your immune system to promoting gut health, pho has numerous advantages.
This recipe features bone broth, known for its collagen and immune-supportive minerals, as well as grass-fed beef, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Instead of traditional rice noodles, zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are used here for their anti-inflammatory properties and high vitamin C content. Let’s explore how each of the key ingredients in pho supports your health during the colder months:
Gut-Friendly Pho — A Nourishing Vietnamese Soup
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 6 cups beef bone broth
- 2 onions, peeled and halved
- 4-5 whole carrots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
- 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 8 star anise
- 5 cardamon pods
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
Toppings:
- 230 gr. rump / sirloin steak, sliced into 1/2 cm pieces
- 450 gr. zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- Organic sriracha, to taste
- Coconut aminos, to taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add in beef bone broth, onion, carrots, garlic cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamon pods, coriander seeds and coconut aminos.
- Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let broth simmer for 30 minutes.
- Place zucchini into a spiralizer and spiralize into noodles. Set aside.
- Slice beef into very thin slices, about 1/2 cm thick. Keep beef slices in the refrigerator to keep cold until ready to add to the broth.
- Strain the broth and discard the solids. Return the broth to the stove to keep warm.
- In four soup bowls, prepare each serving by adding in zucchini noodles to the bottom.
- Top with pho broth and add in 5–6 raw beef slices.
- Top each bowl with desired amount of herbs, vegetables, sriracha and coconut aminos.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8g
- Carbohydrates: 18.5g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Protein: 22.5g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
Key Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
- Bone Broth: Packed with collagen, this nutrient-rich broth is beneficial for gut health, immunity, and joint health. It also has a warming, soothing quality perfect for cold days.
- Grass-Fed Beef: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and free of antibiotics, grass-fed beef provides a clean source of protein that supports both muscle growth and overall vitality.
- Healing Herbs:
- Cilantro: Known for its detoxifying properties, helping the body rid itself of heavy metals.
- Thai Basil: Helps boost immunity and is rich in antioxidants.
- Mint: Aids in digestion and provides a refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the broth.
- Coconut Aminos & Sriracha: These flavor-enhancers add a delightful kick while also providing beneficial enzymes and minerals.
Easy Tips for Making the Perfect Pho at Home
Making pho at home might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! Here are a few simple tips to make the process more manageable:
- Time-Saving Hacks: Use a high-quality pre-made bone broth to cut down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Ingredients: Substitute zucchini noodles with gluten-free brown rice noodles if preferred, or even use a vegetarian broth and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Flavor Your Way: Don’t be afraid to add more toppings! Bean sprouts, lime, and extra sriracha can all be added based on your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Summary
Below, you’ll find the complete recipe ready to help you make this pho with ease. The process can be divided into three main parts: preparing the broth, prepping the ingredients, and assembling the pho bowls. Feel free to adjust the flavors to suit your taste, whether that means adding more herbs or dialing up the heat with extra sriracha.
For the full, easy-to-follow pho recipe, see the recipe card below!
Conclusion
This easy pho recipe is not only comforting but also packed with immune-boosting ingredients perfect for keeping you healthy during the winter months. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again—especially as the days get shorter and the nights colder.
If you give this pho recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments below or tag your pho creations on social media to inspire others. Remember, pho isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating moments of warmth and wellness that you can share with your loved ones.
