EBT-Friendly: 100% of ingredients

Made by Joedy Tran

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Aromatic, soul-warming chicken pho with a clear, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and rice noodles. Simmered low and slow with charred onion and ginger, pho spices, and a touch of fish sauce. Perfect for cold days or when you need a bowl of comfort.

Ingredients:

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•   20 cups water
•   1 whole 2-3 lb free range chicken
•   1 bag pho spice (any brand)
•   1-2 whole onions (depending on the size)
•   2-3 oz ginger
•   2.5 tbsp salt
•   1.5 oz rock sugar (optional 1.5 tbsp white sugar)
•   1/2 tbsp MSG
•   1/2 tbsp fish sauce (3 crabs brand)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Rub the whole chicken (2-3 lbs) with salt and rinse thoroughly. You can debone the chicken or cook it whole.
2. Char the aromatics: Char 1-2 whole onions and 2-3 oz ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened. Rinse, then slightly smash the ginger to release more flavor. Set aside.
3. Start the broth: Bring 20 cups of water to a full boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, the chicken (meat and bones), charred onions and ginger, and 1 bag of pho spices.
4. Cover and bring to a low boil. Uncover and skim off any scum that rises to the surface. Cover again and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes (40-45 minutes for a whole chicken).
5. Uncover and remove the chicken meat. If using chicken liver or gizzard, remove them at this time to prevent overcooking. Let the chicken cool before slicing or shredding. If cooking a whole chicken, shred the meat and return the bones to the pot.
6. Cover and let the broth simmer for another 1-2 hours on the lowest heat possible. The broth should not bubble vigorously—this keeps it clean and clear.
7. Add rock sugar (or 1.5 tbsp white sugar), MSG, the remaining salt (1.5 tbsp), and fish sauce. Remove the pho spice bag. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. To serve, cook rice noodles according to package directions. Place noodles in a bowl, top with sliced chicken, and ladle hot broth over everything. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime, bean sprouts, and chili slices. Enjoy!