Pho Bo (Beef Soup)

Typically Pho Bo is a noodle-based soup, but we replaced the noodles with meaty, thinly sliced shitake mushrooms. This recipe looks complicated, but it is really easy. Don't forgo the broth; adding the flavors of the onion, ginger and cloves is absolutely necessary.

Broth:
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp peeled ginger root
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp salt

Heat all ingredients in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil, simmer 15 minutes, then strain back into pot.

8oz shitake mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
1 onion, sliced
Broth (recipe above)

Put mushrooms, fish sauce and onions into hot broth. Simmer, then add beef about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with:
beans sprouts
jalapenos
lime
cilantro