Bún Bò Huế Chay (Vegan)

Ingredients

• 1/2 pineapple (cut into large chunks)
• 1 large jicama (cut into cubes)
• 2 Granny Smith apples (seeds removed)
• 1 Daikon radish (roughly chopped)
• 3 carrots (roughly chopped)
• 2 large leeks (reserve the white part)
• 10 stalks lemongrass (reserve the white part)
• 40 g rock sugar
• 20 cups water
• umami seasoning or mushrooms seasoning
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons Annatto seeds
• 5 tablespoons oil
• 14 oz firm tofu (pressed, cut into cubes, and pan-fried)
• 1/4-1/2 cup white part of leek
• 1/4-1/2 cup the white part of the lemongrass
• 1 cup King oyster mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons chili flakes (more for a spicier broth)
• umami seasoning
• Thai basil
• Mung bean sprouts
• Shredded green cabbage
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Water spinach stems
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Vietnamese coriander
• Banana flower
• Jalapenô slices

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the Broth ---

2. 2

   Prepare the lemongrass; remove the outer layer, and finely chop the white part and reserve the stalk for soup. Repeat the same step for leek.

3. 3

   Use the back of the knife or pestle to pound the lemongrass to release its flavor.

4. 4

   Then, place all the broth ingredients in a large pot except the umami seasoning.

5. 5

   Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to medium and cook for an hour. Feel free to use an Instant pot to reduce the cooking time.

6. 6

   When ready, discard the ingredients and season to taste with mushrooms seasoning or Yondu.

7. 7

   --- Annatto Oil ---

8. 8

   Heat a small pot with oil. Add in the annatto seeds and stir until the oil turns red.

9. 9

   Sieve to discard the seeds and reserve the oil for cooking.

10. 10

    --- How to prepare the filling ingredients ---

11. 11

    Heat a small pan, add in the annatto oil, then sauté leek and lemongrass until fragrant.

12. 12

    Add in the mushrooms, tofu, chili flakes, and season to taste.

13. 13

    Transfer this mixture into the prepared broth and cook for another 10-15 minutes to release its flavor. You may reserve some filling as toppings as well.

14. 14

    --- How to serve ---

15. 15

    To put everything together, cook noodles as directed and place them into a bowl.

16. 16

    Ladle hot soup over the noodles and garnish with suggested pairings. Serve warm.