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This flavorful soup, a simplified version of traditional Vietnamese bò kho, is perfumed with cinnamon and star anise as well as ginger and lemon grass. The broth is not thickened and individual bowlfuls are finished with fresh herbs, so despite the dish's meaty underpinnings, it's a light, refreshing meal. For added substance, you could serve a warm, crusty baguette on the side, or supplement with cooked rice or egg noodles; prepare the noodles according to package instructions, then divide among bowls before ladling in the soup. Garnish with shaved onion and drizzle with chili oil for spicy heat.
Servings
Don't use double-concentrated tomato paste, which often is sold in a tube. Its potent flavor will overwhelm the other ingredients in the soup. Also, don't cut the carrots too small. Large chunks cook in the same time as the beef and won't end up mushy and overdone.
30 minutes active
tablespoon grapeseed or other neutral oil
tablespoons tomato paste
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