Cheat’s Vietnamese Beef Phở

Servings 4

1.5L beef consummé or stock
2 thick, peeled slices of ginger
1 onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, sliced
3 whole star anise, bashed
2 cinnamon sticks, bashed
2 tablespoons white sugar
80ml fish sauce
250g thick rice noodles
250g beef fillet, very thinly sliced
Sliced and seeded red chillies, bean sprouts, Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, coriander and sliced spring onion to garnish

Combine consummé or stock with 500ml water and place in a saucepan with the ginger, onion, garlic, spices, sugar and fish sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, gently for 30 minutes. Strain, discarding solids.
Rehydrate the noodles according to packet directions. Drain and place into 4 soup bowls, top with the beef slices and pour over hot soup. Serve immediately with garnishes.