TCM Corner: Postpartum Recipe
PHO
1 qt organic beef bone broth*
1/2 yellow onion, cut thick
1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
2 pods star anise
1 stick cinnamon
1/2 tsp corriander seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
4 whole cloves
1 oz fish sauce
4 oz sirloin (put it in the freezer just before preparing PHO - slightly frozen helps to slice thinly)
4 oz rice noodles
2 scallions
1/2 bunch each - mint, Thai basil, cilantro - leaves picked off the stems
1 cup bean sprouts
1 jalapeño sliced
1 lime, sliced
Hoisin/Siracha to taste
Make a batch of bone broth ahead of time, or use a store bought bone broth.(Remember this is the key ingredient, so the quality of bones is important. For a commercial bone broth, you might try Stock Exchange organic Beef Bone Broth found in the freezer section.)
Simmer the broth, onions, ginger, spices and fish sauce for 15-20 minutesWhile broth simmers, cover rice noodles with boiling water and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain once noodles have reached the desired tenderness. Thinly slice the frozen sirloin across the grain.
Strain the broth in soup bowls, add the rice noodles and slices of sirloin. Pour the hot broth overtop. Garnish with bean sprouts, scallions, fresh herbs, a slice of lime and jalapeño. Add a tsp or so of hoisin or siracha to taste. Enjoy!
Note: if you are feeling particularly fatigued or depressed, you can add in more qi and blood tonifying ingredients such as: black beans, beets, and leafy greens.
Lisa D. Theodore, R.TCMP, R.AC