Vegetarian Pho (Crock Pot)

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green chili pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 slices ginger
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons temari soy sauce (or your favorite soy sauce)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 4 ounces seitan, cut into strips, optional (I didn't use any)
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons barley miso (or regular miso(I used white miso)
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 6 ounces dried rice sticks, soaked for 15 minutes in cold water and drained
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts, garnish
• 4 scallions, chopped, garnish
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped, garnish

Directions

1. 1

   In crockpot combine the first 7 ingredients (onion - broth), cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet over medium high heat and add seitan strips. Brown on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. 3

   Strain broth/stock and return broth to crock pot.

4. 4

   In a small cup combine miso paste with water.

5. 5

   In a small bowl combine the next 2 ingredients and the miso/water mixture. Add to broth in crock pot. Stir in drained rice sticks and seitan. Cook for 5-10 minutes longer or until rice sticks are soft.

6. 6

   To serve, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with bean sprouts, scallions and cilantro.