Pho, pronounced as fuh, is a delightful Vietnamese soup prepared with meaty broth, various herbs, rice noodles, chunks of vegetables, and either beef, chicken, or tofu. However, traditionally it was Vietnamese street food; now, its popularity has been spread worldwide.
The post will review pho noodle soup, including its recipe, nutritional information, and diet benefits. So keep reading to know.
First of all, what is Pho?
As per the traditional recipe, Pho is prepared by simmering a clear broth made of chicken or beef bones, ginger, onion, and several other spices over low heat for several hours. Rice noodles, known as “Banh Pho” in Vietnam, are added along with the herbs like basil.
Finally, thin chicken or beef slices are incorporated into the hot broth. Many people prefer topping it with bean sprouts, chili pepper, vegetables, or lime. While most commonly eaten during colder months, Pho is a perfect soup for summers as well. It’s one of the reasons pho noodle soup in Tampa, Florida is one of the most popular dishes.
Nutritional benefits of Pho
Pho may seem like any other Asian soup, but it offers plenty of health benefits, including:
1. Nutritious ingredients
Many ingredients in Pho offer potential health benefits such as:
• Bone marrow used in broth preparation may promote joint health: Chicken or beef bone broth contains Chondroitin, glucosamine, and collagen. All of these together may help promote joint health.
• Spices used help reduce inflammation: Spices like ginger contain gingerol, a compound known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce joint pain and other inflammations.
• Herbs and vegetables add the extra nutrition: herbs and vegetables used in Pho, such as green onions, basil, cilantro, and chili peppers, all are packed with inflammatory compounds and plenty of nutrition.
2. Gluten-free
Since rice noodles are typically used in Pho, this dish is often gluten-free. However, it also depends on how the other ingredients have been processed because there are plenty of variations of pho soup recipes in Tampa, Florida, and many other countries. While a gluten-free diet is not mandatory, Pho can be a great option if you want to avoid gluten.
3. Good source of protein
Most recipes of Pho include beef, chicken, tofu, or pork, making it an excellent source of fulfilling protein. Protein is a macronutrient that serves as a building block inside our body for muscles, skin, hormones, and various other organs. Therefore, sufficient protein intake is crucial.
So if you have been missing out on enough protein in your diet, eating beef pho soup can help you meet your needs.
4. Loaded with nutrient-rich herbs
Many herbs and spices used in pho soup, such as basil and cilantro, are enriched with polyphenols. As per studies, polyphenols may help reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
However, it’s difficult to determine the precise amount of herbs to reap these results; eating pho noodle soup can contribute to your sufficient intake of these beneficial substances.
5. Low in calories
The calorie count of a pho soup can vary significantly depending on the cut of meat and the type of noodles used. However, it will still be lesser than the calories you get from a cheeseburger or pizza.
The best part about the pho soup recipe is that you can easily customize the dish to keep your calorie intake in check. For instance, prefer rice noodles with higher fiber content, such as brown rice noodles.
Moreover, consider adding more vegetables such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, carrots, and dark leafy greens. To control extra fat and calories from meat, consider having leaner cuts of beef or chicken. If you are a vegetarian, using tofu as a leaner protein option works well.
How does pho noodle soup taste?
Pho is everyone’s favorite because it is not only healthy and budget-friendly but also delicious. It is trendy street food in Vietnam and is also loved in various other parts of the world for its unique subtle flavor. If we have to describe the taste of Pho, we would say it is mouth-watering and worth trying, so grab a bowl of it today!
