Pholalo (Pho + Bulalo)

Ingredients:

For the broth:

• 2 large onions, halved

• 1 4-inch piece of ginger, sliced

• 2 lbs beef shank with bone marrow

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 star anise

• 3-4 cloves garlic

• 1 cardamom pod

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Water (enough to cover the bones)

For serving:

• Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions

• 2 corn on the cob, cut into thirds

• 1 bundle of pechay (bok choy)

• Bean sprouts

• Fresh basil leaves

• Lime wedges

• Red chili, sliced

• Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional)

Instructions:

1. Char the onions and ginger: Preheat your oven broiler. Place halved onions and sliced ginger on a baking sheet and char under the broiler for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

2. Prepare the beef shanks: Rinse the beef shanks under hot water to remove any impurities. Then, bring a large pot of water to boil and blanch the bones for about 10 minutes. Discard the water and rinse the bones again.

3. Broth simmering: In a large stockpot, add the blanched bones, charred onions, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, cardamom pod, salt, fish sauce, and sugar. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the ingredients.

4. Simmer the broth: Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, occasionally skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.

5. Prepare the toppings: While the broth is simmering, cook the corn, bok choy, and prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Also, wash and prepare the bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chili.

6. Strain the broth: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer. Adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, salt, or sugar if needed.

7. Assemble the Pho: In serving bowls, place a handful of cooked rice noodles, and any other desired toppings. Pour the hot broth over the top.

8. Serve: Serve the Pho hot, allowing each person to customize their bowl with additional toppings like bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili. Hoisin sauce and Sriracha can be added according to personal preference.