Moroccan-style Pho

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Pho is known for its delicate balance of flavors and fresh herbs, this Moroccan adaptation infuses the soup with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The traditional beef broth is enhanced with Moroccan ingredients like preserved lemons and harissa, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy kick. The garnishes are also modified to include ingredients commonly found in Moroccan cuisine, such as dates, almonds, and fresh mint. We alse have the original recipe for Pho, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef brisket, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef brisket, thinly sliced
• 2 onions, sliced 2 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste 1 teaspoon harissa paste
• 2 preserved lemons, sliced 2 preserved lemons, sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup (60g) slivered almonds 1/2 cup (60g) slivered almonds
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced beef brisket to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the cinnamon sticks, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and harissa paste. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the preserved lemons, beef broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
5. 5.
   While the soup is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Once the beef is tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles.
8. 8.
   Garnish each bowl with chopped dates, slivered almonds, and fresh mint leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef brisket — For a more tender result, you can marinate the beef brisket in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Moroccan spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Preserved lemons — If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with fresh lemon zest for a similar tangy flavor.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Rice noodles — Be sure not to overcook the rice noodles as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions and rinse with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, toast the whole spices (cumin, coriander, and cinnamon) in a dry pan before grinding them.
• For a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef brisket with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Customize the garnishes by adding other traditional Moroccan ingredients like pomegranate seeds or chopped cilantro.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, serve with additional harissa paste on the side.
• Make a larger batch of the soup and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-style Pho hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their own bowl with dates, almonds, and fresh mint leaves. Accompany the soup with warm crusty bread or Moroccan flatbread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Moroccan-style Pho in beautiful ceramic bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the garnishes. Sprinkle some extra slivered almonds and fresh mint leaves on top for an appealing visual touch.