Pho is a noodle soup that contains Vietnamese beef. It originated from North Vietnam, with French and Chinese influences. Traditional pho consists of noodles that are made of rice. Garnishes can include a variety of spices, peppers, lime, coriander leaves, white onions and Thai basil. There are several types of pho, with recipes varying from region to region.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Finely dice two stalks of celery, one carrot, one yellow onion and 1 lb. of cremini mushrooms. Use an electric dicer for best results. Put the diced ingredients into a large bowl.
Add 1/4 cup each of ginger and lemongrass to the bowl. Add 4 tsp. of canola oil to a roasting pan. Stir the mixture thoroughly and then add the mixture to roasting pan. Let the ingredients cook for 25 minutes.
Add 1 tsp. of canola oil to a large frying pan and cook the beef over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it browns. Drain the beef in a strainer. During this time, also boil 1 lb. of rice noodles in a large pot for five minutes, then strain.
Remove the ingredients from the oven and add them to a large pot. Add 1 gal. of water to the ingredients and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beef, noodles, 1/4 cup each of cilantro and sweet basil and three diced jalapenos to the mixture while it simmers.
Remove the soup from the heat and then strain. Stir in 2 tbsp. of sambal oelek, a 1/2 cup of soy sauce and 1 tbsp. of sesame oil. Add a pinch of salt to taste.