Monday, December 29, 2014

What the Pho? In a crockpot?

I am a Pho Phonatic!
(see what I did there?)

Living in Seattle, there are GREAT Pho places (or hole in the walls, if you must) everywhere!  Walking into your local Pho joint and smelling that broth....that cooked all day, savory broth...ohhhhh myyyyy!

We moved to the 'burbs and I figured, hey, I am only 35 mins from the city...I am sure I can find a great Pho place.  And I did...only 1/2 mile from my house!  

Then it closed.

But I found a new one.  Only 2 miles from my house!  But, $25 to feed me and my hubby seemed a little much.  It was good tasting, but not the best.

I said to myself, "Self...you are handy in the kitchen.  You make Osso Bucco, you make roasted duck, you can make Pho."  

I searched far and wide and after several attempts, I have now discovered one of the best Pho Ga recipes out there....and I can use my crock pot.  BONUS!

This recipe is from Bon Appetite.  Go figure.  But it is so good!

I had roasted a chicken a couple of days prior so I decided to use that carcass and the neck that came with it for the broth.  I also had a few extra wings in the freezer, so I threw those in as well.
Then I filled it up with water, coriander seeds, whole star anise, cilantro leaves and steams, quartered onion, whole ginger slices and whole cloves, and garlic. Since it will be strained, no worries on cutting things small and nicely. 
Also, luckily, I was able to get Star Anise from my local Safeway!


Traditional recipes call for chicken feet.  I didn't have any on hand but found out after that fact that the Asian market down the street has them, so I will use them next time.

Cook on High for 5-6 hours or on low for 8-9 hours.

Once done, strain with a cheese cloth.  And your broth is done!!!

Next, prepare your rice noodles and chicken.  I prepared the rice noodles according to the package (sit in water for several minutes before cooking in boiling water).  I used chicken thigh meat and cut it up in small pieces then poached it in boiling water until done. 

Next, put your Pho together!  I poured the broth over the chicken and noodles then added bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, basil, siracha, and hoisen sauce!

Oh my!  I ate this for 3 meals in a row!  Love it and so easy!