Matzo Ball Pho

Instructions

• Lightly char onion halves and shallot on open flame.
• In a large pot on high, add star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, cardamom, and cinnamon. When the spices are brown and fragrant, take them off the heat and place them into a tea ball strainer.
• In the same pot on high, add chicken wings, water, and salt. Boil, then add chicken thighs, tea ball strainer with spices, charred onion, charred scallion, and ginger slices. Boil together, then lower heat and let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove any impurities, whole items, or foam that rises to the top.
• After 30 minutes, remove and cool chicken thighs and reserve and cool 3 tbsp of stock. Allow the remaining stock to simmer for 1.5 more hours.
• In a large bowl, beat 3 eggs until no streaks remain. Then add vegetable oil, chopped basil and sawtooth, cooled 3 tbsp of Pho stock (that you reserved), 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp of sugar. Whisk together, then add in Matzo meal. Combine and let batter rest for 40 minutes.
• After 40 min, remove batter and roll into 8-10 Matzo balls.
• Once the chicken thighs are cooled, take them out and shred them.
• After 2 hours, remove and discard all solids from the stock. Add matzo balls and green onion heads. Let the mixture simmer together for 40 minutes. At this point, season stock with 2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder, and 2 tsp fish sauce. Remove from heat.
• Ladle 1 portion soup with broth, shredded chicken, and green onion heads. Top with diced and sliced onions. Serve with a side of bean sprouts, Thai basil, sawtooth herbs, a slice of lime, Sriracha, and hoisin sauce.