Quick Vegetarian Pho & Fresh Spring Rolls

Dave and I always crave Pho and there are not many places near us that we can head to on a whim. Here is our at-home version.

Since making this we've found pho bases (just the seasoning) at a specialty grocery store compared to the pre-made base from Whole Foods which I prefer. You can add seafood, meat, additional vegetables and spice as needed to this delicious noodle dish.

What you'll need:

- Large pot, Saute pan, olive oil
- Soup base (powder or Pacific Vegetarian pho base found at Whole Foods) 
- Tofu, meat or seafood
- Vegetables and herbs (carrots, green onion, basil, cilantro, bean sprouts
- Rice noodles
- Sriracha hot sauce (great if you have a cold!)
- Rice paper (optional)

Bring water to a boil in saucepan and turn to low.

Add rice noodles and let soak to soften. Saute Tofu, Shrimp, Beef or Chicken, adding green onions and vegetables as desired.

In a large pot, heat the broth, then add sauteed ingredients and spice of choice. Cilantro, basil and bean sprouts are traditional toppings.

For a healthy appetizer or next-day snack, combine spring greens, extra tofu, carrots, basil and crushed peanuts. Soften rice sheets in water, wrap and chill. Dip in sauce of choice or wrap sauce in rice paper while rolling for convenience.

Christine