Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Weeknight Hanoi Pho with Lentils

No ratings yet
Dive into a bowl of comfort with our Weeknight Hanoi Pho with Lentils. This delightful dish boasts a rich, aromatic broth infused with authentic Vietnamese flavors, paired with healthy lentils for a hearty twist. It's a quick and easy meal that embodies the spirit of street food in Hanoi. Feel free to customize your garnishes with fresh herbs and toppings to suit your palate!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Asia
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dried lentils
  • 1.5 L vegetable broth
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2-inch piece ginger
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 250 g rice noodles
  • 200 g bean sprouts
  • 1 bunch fresh basil
  • 1 lime
  • 2 chili peppers
  • 2 chili peppers optional

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Heatproof mixing bowl
  • Strainer
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, halved onion, minced garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Once simmering, add the rinsed lentils and cook for about 20 minutes until tender but still intact.
  4. While the lentils are cooking, prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, typically boiling them for 4-6 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. After the lentils are tender, stir in soy sauce and fish sauce to the broth. Remove the onion, ginger, and spices using a strainer or with a slotted spoon.
  6. To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl, ladle over the hot broth with lentils, and top with bean sprouts, fresh basil leaves, and sliced chili peppers if using.
  7. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your home-cooked Hanoi Pho!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 3gSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute fish sauce with additional soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce for depth.
Want to add your personal touch? Try experimenting with different garnishes like cilantro or mint.
Store any leftover broth in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove for a quick meal.
Happy cooking!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!