Vegan pho topped with microgreens 🌱💚
Homemade veggie pho topped with microgreens 🌱🔥
#veganpho #toppedwithmicrogreens
For the broth
1 white onion, quartered
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
4 star anise
4 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
8 cups water
Stems from 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms
1 (4-inch) piece kombu
¼ cup tamari, plus more for serving
For the soup
2 tablespoons avocado oil
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
Sea salt
2 baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
8 ounces rice noodles
Baked tofu
Mung bean sprouts, optional
2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
Fresh basil or Thai basil leaves
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges, for serving
Sriracha or chili oil, for serving
Making vegan pho at home is a rewarding experience that perfectly balances taste, nutrition, and aroma. In addition to the ingredients listed, I find that roasting the white onion and ginger before adding them to the broth deepens the flavor immensely. This simple step adds a subtle caramelized layer that makes the broth richer without overpowering its lightness. Microgreens, which are young vegetable greens, are not just a beautiful garnish but also a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants far beyond those present in mature leaves. Including microgreens like radish, sunflower, or pea shoots on top of your pho can greatly enhance its flavor profile by adding a fresh, peppery bite. When preparing the broth, patience is key—letting the spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks simmer gently infuses the liquid with warm, complex notes that are the signature of pho. Don't rush this process, as the depth of the broth is what transforms the soup from ordinary to exceptional. For the soup portion, using a high-quality tamari adds umami and saltiness, which complements the earthiness of the shiitake mushrooms. Incorporating baby bok choy provides a pleasant crunch and nutritional benefits, including fiber and vitamins A and C. In my personal experience, adding thinly sliced jalapeños and a squeeze of fresh lime right before eating balances the flavors perfectly, bringing brightness and a touch of heat. For those who enjoy spiciness, chili oil or sriracha is an excellent finishing touch. Lastly, this vegan pho is not only comforting but also versatile and suited for any season. It makes for an excellent nourishing meal during colder months, as well as a light, fresh dish in warmer weather by adjusting the toppings to your preference. Letting your creativity guide you with different herbs and garnishes can make every bowl uniquely delicious.

