# An Exceptionally Flavorful, Truly Authentic Chicken Pho

Creating the cuisine of my culture holds immense significance for me. This is my own chicken pho recipe that I’ve been perfecting for the last decade. It stands apart (and is less straightforward) from the simpler version in our cookbook. I’m finally sharing it because Steph wanted to learn how to make it instead of relying on me every time she had a craving for chicken pho.

It’s fragrant, invigorating, light, and incredibly fulfilling. It does require a bit of effort, but I believe it’s worthwhile. You might even forgo dining out after trying this one.

## A Personal Recipe

This will be a classic blog post. In the early 2010s, when blogging was more popular, and before TikTok, everyone seemed to be publishing extravagant, time-consuming recipes. Blogging has shifted from titles like *72-hour Slow Roasted Beef Rib Pho with Homemade Rice Noodles* to *Easy Best 15 Minute Pho*. Steph and I are no exception, but I feel something was lost along the way. This post is definitely not designed for high search rankings. Instead, it’s simply the most delectable pho recipe I know how to prepare.

## What is Chicken Pho (Phở Gà)

Chicken pho is a less commonly known yet equally authentic variation of pho. It offers a similar flavor profile but is lighter, healthier, quicker, and more affordable to prepare. If you’re a pho enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to experience an excellent chicken pho. It’s akin to steak versus fried chicken; both are equally delightful.

## Equipment

For this recipe, the following equipment isn’t mandatory but ensures a smoother process:

– **A large stockpot**: You’ll require a pot big enough to accommodate a whole broken-down chicken along with an onion and ginger.
– **A kitchen torch**: I utilize a blowtorch. You could toast the spices another way (like in a cast iron skillet), but it won’t have the same smoky flavor.
– **Tongs**: For maneuvering the chicken around.
– **2 large mixing bowls**: For transferring and deboning the chicken.
– **Sieve and 4qt container**: To strain the broth.
– **Noodle bowls and chopsticks**: For serving and eating.

## How to Make Chicken Pho

Even though I’m emphasizing the difficulty of this recipe, it’s not that complex. Here’s how to create chicken pho:

1. **Char your aromatics**: Char your onion and ginger for about 10 seconds. Move to your large stockpot.
2. **Quickly char your spices**: About a second will suffice. Then transfer to a tea bag if available and add to the stockpot.
3. **Add chicken and cover with water**: Bring to a boil. Note the time when the soup reaches a boil.
4. **Remove the chicken and cool**: Approximately 25 minutes after boiling, take out the chicken and let it cool.
5. **Debone the chicken**: Roughly take the meat off the bones. Transfer the meat to a container, cover, and refrigerate.
6. **Simmer the soup**: Return the bones to the soup and simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
7. **Strain the soup**: Take out the bones and larger pieces for easier straining.
8. **Season the soup**: This is subjective, but I’ve included my recommendations in the recipe.
9. **Assemble your bowls and enjoy**: Instructions below.

## How to Serve Chicken Pho

Serving any noodle soup so that everything is hot and ready simultaneously (without being mushy) is an art form. Pho is one of the simpler noodles in this aspect because the noodles improve the longer they are out, and the soup is added last. This is my approach:

1. Optional: warm the bowls.
2. Keep the soup at a low simmer in one pot and bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
3. Blanch the noodles as per the package instructions.
4. Drain and rinse the noodles in a mesh sieve.
5. Divide the noodles into bowls.
6. Warm the chicken in the soup and distribute between the bowls.
7. Arrange your garnishes, dips, chopsticks, spoons, beverages, etc., at the table.
8. When everyone is ready to eat, pour enough soup into the bowls to cover and carefully bring them to the table.

## Ingredients

– **Chicken**: 4 drumsticks, 4 thighs, and a bone-in skin-on chicken breast.
– **Spices**: Star anise, cinnamon, coriander, white pepper, cloves, and cardamom.
– **Aromatics**: 1

### Banana Chocolate Chip Cake: A Tasty Variation on a Timeless Classic

It has been almost twenty years since a cherished family recipe made its debut: the Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Cake. This cake, celebrated for its impressive height, fluffy texture, crispy cinnamon sugar topping, and scrumptious chocolate chip filling, has won the affection of countless individuals. Nevertheless, as the years have gone by, the urge to create something new has led to a thrilling variation: the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake.

#### The Motivation for the Recipe

The original cake is a fixture in numerous households, treasured for its ease and flavor. Throughout the years, there have been musings about tweaking the recipe, especially the concept of adding flavors like pumpkin or apple spice. The revelation occurred when a lack of sour cream necessitated the use of mashed bananas instead. The outcome was a cake that not only preserved the appeal of the original but also brought an exciting new taste that swiftly became a family favorite.

#### Why This Cake is Essential

The Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is more than merely a dessert; it’s the answer to those overripe bananas languishing on your countertop. It merges the familiar aspects of the classic cake with the warm and sweet scent of bananas, making it an ideal treat for any event. The cake is moist, delicious, and includes a delightful cinnamon sugar topping that provides a satisfying crunch.

#### Recipe Summary

**Ingredients:**

**For the Cake:**
– 3 large eggs, separated
– ½ cup (4 ounces or 115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
– 1½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
– 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1½ cups (375 grams) mashed bananas
– ⅔ cup (160 grams) sour cream
– 3 cups (400 grams) all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1½ teaspoons baking soda
– 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

**For the Filling and Topping:**
– 2 cups (12 ounces or 340 grams) semi- or bittersweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

#### Directions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with nonstick spray and lining the base with parchment paper.

2. **Prepare the Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside. In another bowl, cream the butter and 1½ cups of sugar until light and airy. Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Blend the mashed bananas into the butter mixture, then alternate incorporating the flour mix and sour cream, stirring until well mixed. Finally, carefully fold in the whipped egg whites.

3. **Construct the Cake:** In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread half of the batter in the prepared dish, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Spoon the remaining batter over the filling and smooth it out. Finish with the leftover cinnamon-sugar and chocolate chips on top.

4. **Bake the Cake:** Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

5. **Serve:** Move the cake to a cutting board and slice into squares. For storage, keep the cake at room temperature uncovered to maintain the crisp topping.

#### Conclusion

The Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a delightful advancement of a classic recipe, ideal for utilizing ripe bananas while delivering a comforting and tasty dessert. With its rich flavors and appealing aroma, this cake is bound to become a new favorite in your household, just as it has in many others. Enjoy the process of baking and the pleasure of sharing this treat with family and friends!

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the dynamic duo who have turned their love for cooking into a flourishing online hub for food lovers worldwide. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the masterminds behind the well-loved website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have devoted their lives to sharing the delight of cooking through straightforward, seasonal recipes.

Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they founded A Couple Cooks with the aim of motivating others to appreciate the craft of cooking. Over time, their site has evolved into an extensive platform featuring thousands of unique recipes, valuable cooking insights, and practical meal planning suggestions. Each recipe is carefully designed and photographed by the duo, ensuring that every dish is not only scrumptious but also visually enticing.

As busy parents, Alex and Sonja are acutely aware of the difficulties involved in whipping up healthy meals during a busy day. This personal experience drives their dedication to developing recipes that are both approachable and suitable for families. Their culinary inventions are thoroughly tested on their own kids, confirming that each dish is child-approved.

In addition to their website, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that further highlight their culinary skills and imagination. These publications are indispensable resources for anyone eager to dive into new flavors and methods in the kitchen.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja persist in inspiring a worldwide community of home chefs. Their commitment to fostering the joy of cooking and emphasizing the significance of seasonal ingredients has established them as influential personalities in the culinary realm. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Alex and Sonja’s recipes provide something for everyone, motivating all to explore the joys of home-cooked dishes.

### The Sidecar Cocktail: A Timeless Classic

The Sidecar is a cocktail steeped in history and offering a delightful balance of flavors, making it a beloved choice among cocktail aficionados. This drink, frequently linked to the glamour of the 1920s, has an intriguing backstory and a straightforward yet stylish recipe that anyone can appreciate to enhance their cocktail skills.

#### Origins of the Sidecar

The beginnings of the Sidecar are somewhat unclear, with numerous anecdotes adding to its mystique. One well-known story posits that an American army officer during World War I would show up at a Paris bar in a motorcycle sidecar, requesting a drink made from cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. This distinctive way of arriving is said to have prompted bartenders to name the beverage after his mode of transport.

Another narrative suggests that bartenders would pour the leftover cocktail from the shaker into a small glass, also referred to as a sidecar. Although the precise origin remains unknown, the drink’s charm is undeniable.

#### Flavor Profile

The Sidecar is frequently likened to the French counterpart of the margarita. It boasts a robust foundation of cognac or brandy, vibrant acidity from lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness from orange liqueur, usually Cointreau or triple sec. This blend results in a well-rounded cocktail that is both invigorating and strong.

Traditionally, the Sidecar is presented with a sugared rim, adding a dash of sweetness and visual charm. While some may contend that the sugar is redundant due to the natural sweetness of the drink, it provides an appealing golden shine that enhances the overall enjoyment.

#### Recipe for the Perfect Sidecar

Here’s a straightforward recipe to craft a classic Sidecar at home:

**Ingredients:**
– 1 ounce (30 ml) lemon juice, plus an extra wedge for a sugared rim
– Raw or turbinado sugar (for the rim, optional)
– 3 ounces (90 ml) cognac or brandy
– 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) Cointreau or triple sec

**Instructions:**
1. If you opt to sugar the rim of your glass, rub the rim with a wedge of lemon and roll it in raw sugar.
2. In a cocktail shaker, mix the cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice. Shake vigorously until the blend is very cold.
3. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
4. Savor your Sidecar!

#### Conclusion

The Sidecar is more than merely a cocktail; it is a slice of history that captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties. With its delightful balance of flavors and sophisticated presentation, it continues to be a timeless option for cocktail enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed at a bar or made at home, the Sidecar is guaranteed to impress and please. Cheers!

Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the vibrant pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the authors of two celebrated cookbooks and the innovative creators behind the well-known website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home chefs since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and practical culinary tips.

Their journey started with a common passion for food and an aim to make cooking accessible and pleasurable for all. As busy parents, they are acutely aware of the difficulties in preparing healthy, tasty meals while managing a hectic lifestyle. This awareness is evident in their cooking philosophy, which highlights simplicity, seasonality, and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends.

The A Couple Cooks website is a goldmine of culinary creativity, boasting thousands of original recipes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. From speedy weeknight meals to sumptuous weekend gatherings, each recipe is carefully developed and tested by Alex and Sonja, often with the assistance of their children. Their recipes are paired with stunning photographs that showcase the vivid colors and textures of their creations, making every post a visual and gastronomic delight.

Beyond recipes, Alex and Sonja offer invaluable cooking tips and meal planning suggestions to assist readers in optimizing their kitchen workflows and utilizing seasonal produce effectively. Their knowledge and friendly approach have garnered them a dedicated following of home cooks who turn to A Couple Cooks for inspiration and direction in the kitchen.

Through their cookbooks, website, and engaging social media presence, Alex and Sonja Overhiser continue to spread their passion for cooking globally. Their dedication to crafting delicious, wholesome meals that unite people lies at the core of their work, positioning them as a cherished and reliable resource for anyone eager to improve their culinary skills and savor the joys of homemade food.