Ingredients

• 3 - large onions
• 1 tbsp - peanut oil
• 5 lb - beef and chicken bones (choose ones with meat as well)
• 4 - ginger slices (julienned)
• 2 - carrots (julienned)
• 1 - small cinnamon stick
• 1 - star anise
• 1 tbsp - whole black peppercorn
• 2 - garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1/2 lb - bean sprouts
• 1/2 lb - beef sirloin (finely sliced)
• 1 - scallion (finely sliced)
• 1/4 cup - chopped coriander leaves
• 4 - chillies (sliced)
• 2 - limes (cut into wedges)
• 8 oz - rice sticks (soaked and drained)
• 3 tbsp - nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)
• black pepper to taste
• 2 - cardamom

How to Make Banh Pho Bo

• Cut 2 onions into slices of 1/4 inch.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and add the onions.
• Cook, stirring until the onions turn brown on the outside.
• Remove and drain.
• Slice the remaining onion into paper-thin slices and set aside.
• Rinse the bones and place in a stockpot.
• Cover with cold water and bring to boil slowly.
• Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered (for a clear broth, skim off the foam).
• After 10-15 minutes, add the fried onion, ginger, carrots, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, garlic and peppercorns. Bring to boil.
• Simmer the stock, partially covered, for 6 to 12 hours, skimming regularly. If necessary, add water to keep the bones covered.
• Strain the stock, skim off and discard any fat. To serve: Arrange the sliced beef on a platter.
• Garnish with reserved white and green onion.
• On another platter, arrange the bean sprouts, coriander, chillies and limes.
• Meanwhile, plunge the rice sticks in boiling water to heat and drain.
• Place equal portions in each soup bowl and cover to keep warm.
• Heat the beef stock to boiling point and season with fish sauce and pepper.
• Pour into a soup tureen or chafing dish.
• At the table, place the soup on a portable warmer to keep hot. Offer each guest a bowl of warm rice noodles. Each diner adds some beef and onion to a bowl and ladles the hot stock over the meat, stirring to cook the meat.
• Add the bean sprouts, coriander, chillies and lime to taste.