Star Anise Beef-Rice Noodle Soup

Yields:	8 servings
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3	each	shallots
1	each	onion
2 1/2	quarts	water
1 1/2	pounds	oxtails
1	pound	beef shanks
1/4	cup	fish sauce
1/2	pound	noodles
6	ounces	sirloin steak
2	cups	bean sprouts
2	each	scallions, spring or green onions

PUT GINGER, SHALLOTS AND ONION on a baking sheet; place under a hot broiler until charred.

In a stock pot, bring the water, oxtails and beef shank to a boil.

Thoroughly skim and discard the scum from the surface of the stock.

Drop the charred ingredients, star anise, cinnamon stick and cloves into pot, reduce to low heat; simmer for 2 hours.

Remove the meat.

Remove and shred the meat from the shank and reserve.

Return the bone to the simmering stock.

Simmer 1 hour longer. When soup is done, remove and discard bones.

Strain and degrease stock; add fish sauce and salt.

Keep warm.

In a separate pot, bring 3 quarts water to a boil.

Drain noodles and add to boiling water; cook for 1 minute.

Drain in a colander. Divide noodles among 8 soup bowls (about 1-to-2-cup-size bowls).

Divide and top each bowl of noodles with shredded cooked beef, the raw sirloin steak slices, onion slices and bean sprouts.

Ladle about 1 1/4 cups hot soup stock (this will cook the beef)

to cover the noodles and beef, top with fresh coriander and green onions.

Serve with squeeze of lime and chiles.

Excellent quick recipe with lots of possible variations depending on what's in the cupboard.

Reviewed by gallopingourmet