Faux Pho Noodle Soup

I found this recipe for a healthier version of the Vietnamese Pho noodle soup in a local paper and decided to try it.  I love Pho but I never order in anymore in the restaurants as I discovered it has a high sodium content.

I added whole chicken breasts to the recipe although it calls for thinly sliced chicken.  The reason is that is stays more tender after 25 minutes of simmering.  I'm thinking vegetarians can substitute a package of tofu. 

Instead of rice vermicelli I found these yam noodles in the supermarket.  It has a lot less carbs than rice vermicelli and I discovered it is very similar in looks and taste.

You know, I didn't enjoy the process of making it, so many little steps to take although it is simple enough.  I resolved not to make it again...and then I tasted it.  It is so fragrant and delicious and the fresh vegetables give the dish a wonderful texture.  Hmm.  I had 2 bowls!  A warning that fish sauce is very stinky but does wonders to the broth along with the coconut milk.

Here is the recipe with my modifications:

Ingredients

• 2 tbs canola oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• a thumb of fresh ginger, sliced thinly
• 7 oz pkg of yam noodles (or rice vermicelli)
• 3 1/2 cups chicken or beef or vegetable stock
• 1 cup water
• 14 oz can of coconut milk
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (vegetarians can substitute a pkg of tofu)
• 6 tbs fresh lime juice
• 3 tbs fish sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• handful of loosely chopped fresh cilantro
• handful of rinsed beansprouts
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup julienned red pepper

Directions

In a large pot, saute garlic and ginger in the oil until the garlic starts to brown. Add the stock, coconut milk, water and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile soak the noodles in lukewarm water in a large bowl. Once the chicken has been cooking for 25 minutes, add the noodles and stir. Add the lime, fish sauce and sugar.  Remove the chicken and slice thinly, return to the soup.  Mix in carrots, sprouts, peppers and cilantro.