Aromatic Beef Broth with Rice Noodles, Shaved Onions, Lime Wedges and Fresh Herbs

This one-dish meal is Vietnamese food culture in a bowl. Phở, pronounced as “fuh,” not “foe” pairs delicate rice noodles with broth scented with star anise, cardamom, cloves, cassia, charred ginger and onions. The beef may be slow-simmered gelatinous beef tendon, poached beef brisket shavings, or raw beef sliced so thin that it cooks almost instantly in the hot broth.

In keeping with the Vietnamese tradition of finishing dishes at the table, each diner adds his own garnishes.