Heart-Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup

Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of Heart-Healthy Vietnamese Pho Soup, a wholesome twist on the classic Vietnamese favorite. This lighter version keeps all the comforting essence of pho while emphasizing low-sodium ingredients, lean protein, and nutrient-packed toppings like fresh herbs and bean sprouts. A deeply flavorful broth is crafted with a blend of warming spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, simmered to perfection before being paired with tender brown rice noodles and thinly sliced chicken breast. Garnished with vibrant cilantro, basil, lime, and optional jalapeño, this soothing soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Ready in just an hour, it’s a perfect choice for a wholesome, heart-conscious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 inches fresh ginger (sliced)
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 8 ounces brown rice noodles
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 4 green onions (sliced thinly)
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 lime (cut into wedges)
• 1 jalapeño (sliced thinly, optional)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium fish sauce

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, water, sliced ginger, quartered onion, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2

While the broth simmers, slice the chicken breast into thin strips. Set aside.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, soak the brown rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

Once the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove the spices and aromatics. Discard the solids.

Step 5

Return the strained broth to the stove and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6

Carefully add the sliced chicken to the simmering broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

Divide the soaked brown rice noodles evenly among 4 serving bowls.

Step 8

Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles in each bowl.

Step 9

Top each bowl with a generous handful of bean sprouts, sliced green onions, cilantro, and basil leaves.

Step 10

Serve each bowl with a lime wedge and optional thinly sliced jalapeño for added heat. Enjoy your heart-healthy pho!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3742.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1977.2

Total Fat 27.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 385.6mg	0%
Sodium 3548.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.9g
Protein 177.9g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 498.8mg	0%
Iron 24.1mg	0%
Potassium 4096.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.4%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 52.2%