3 lg Onion
1 tb Peanut oil
5 lb Beef & chicken meaty bones
4 Ginger slice; julienned
2 Carrot; julienned
1 sm Cinnamon stick
1 Star anise
2 Cloves, whole
1 ts Peppercorn, black; whole
2 Garlic clove; smashed
1/2 lb Fresh bean sprouts
1/2 lb Beef sirloin; sliced very thin across grain, bitesize
1 Scallion; finely sliced
1/4 c Cilantro; chopped
4 Chiles serranos; sliced -(wimps only devein them)
2 Lime; cut into wedges
8 oz Rice sticks, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes ;drained
3 tb Nuoc mam
Fresh black pepper to taste
Slice 2 of the onions into 1/4 inch slices. Heat 1
Tbsp oil in a frying pan. Add the sliced onion, and
cook, stirring, until the outside has browned. Remove
and drain. Slice the remaining onion into paper-thin slices and set aside.
Rinse the bones and place in a stockpot. Cover with
cold water. Bring slowly to a boil. Reduce heat and
simmer, uncovered. For a clear broth skim off foam.
After 10 - 15 minutes, add browned onion and ginger,
carrots, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves,
garlic and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Simmer the
stock, partially covered for 6 to 12 hours, skimming
regularly. If necessary add more water to keep the
bones covered. Strain the stock, skim off, and discard any fat.
At serving time, arrange the sliced beef on a platter.
Garnish with reserved white and green onion. On
another platter, arrange the bean sprouts, coriander,
chiles and limes. Meanwhile, plunge the rice sticks in
boiling water to heat. Drain. Place equal portions in
each soup bowl. Cover to keep warm. Heat beef stock to
boiling. Season with fish sauce and pepper. Pour into
a soup tureen or chafing dish. At the table, place the
soup on a portable warmer to keep hot. Offer each
guest a bowl of warm rice noodles. Each diner adds
some beef and onion to a bowl. Ladle the hot stock
over the meat, stirring to cook the meat. Add the bean
sprouts, coriander, chiles, and lime to taste. Enjoy
with chopsticks and a soup spoon.
Yield: 6 servings
Optional: pass fresh basil leaves, coriander,
additional chilies, fish sauce and ground peanuts at the table.
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