Simple Pho: Take 2

Ok. I'm not afraid to admit it. My last attempt at pho was not very good. This is take two, and the kids say it's much better. 

Ingredients:

64 oz. beef broth

Two 12 oz. packages of frozen Vietnamese beef balls

5 star anise 

6 whole cloves

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 large white onion

1 glove garlic, minced

2 inch piece of ginger, sliced in half

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons fish sauce

Thai basil for taste

Pepper to taste

Making this is simple. Bring the broth to a simmer. Add the anise, cloves, and cinnamon. Add the beef balls. Dice the onion. Add to mix. Add the ginger halves. Add the garlic. Add the soy sauce and fish sauce. Let simmer until the beef balls are thoroughly cooked. Add Thai basil and pepper for taste.

Serve in a bowl over rice noodles. 

The kids liked this, but said it was a tad salty. Next time, I'll lighten up on the soy sauce. The better course is to make your own beef broth from the bones. But that would take much longer.