Is it pronounced ‘FO’ or ‘FA’, and why do they spell it ‘PHO’? You can get lost in the pronunciation of this delicious dish as easily as you can in a Vietnamese forest. But, once you taste the complex flavors in a bowl of Pho, you’ll appreciate the complexities that unfold in the architecture and colors of Vietnam. In today’s segment, you’ll be transformed by the brilliance and lusciousness of a unique Beverly Hills home, designed with its own floating Vietnamese Wedding Boat. When Vera Jaye was introduced to the culture, she immediately learned how to make the traditional dish of Pho, pronounced, ‘FA’.

VIETNAMESE – PHO – Yields 6-8 servings

In large soup pot, medium high heat, add and bring to boil: Beef stock, Fish sauce, Star Anise, Sliced Mushrooms.

Slice Beef Sirloin into thin slices. Set aside.

Slice Fresh Basil Leaves and Green Onions. Set aside.

Remove Cilantro leaves from stems. Set aside.

Rinse Bean Sprouts. Set aside.

Bring water to boil, enough to cover the Thai Rice Sticks. Pour the boiling water over the Rice Sticks. Soak per directions on package.

To Serve:

In individual bowls, equally divide the soaked Rice Sticks into the bowls.

Layer on top of Rice Sticks: Bean Sprouts, Green Onions, Raw Beef Sirloin strips.

Carefully ladle the hot stock with Star Anise and Mushrooms atop.

Sprinkle lime juice to taste.

Hot sauce optional.

Ingredients

10 cups – Beef Stock
2 Tablespoons – Fish Sauce
5 – Limes juice of
2 Star – Anise seeds
1 pkg – Thai Rice Sticks
1.5 cups – Bean Sprouts
6 – Green Onions
1/2 bunch – Cilantro
1 lbs. – Beef Sirloin for strips
1 cup – Fresh Basil Leaves
Handfull – Mushrooms