LEMONGRASS CHICKEN PHO ENJOY DAN:

     LEMONGRASS CHICKEN PHO FOR DONNA’S PARTY by CHEF DAN:

Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

12 ounces dried rice noodles

2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed, outer layers discarded, halved lengthwise, and smashed with the side of a knife

12 cups chicken broth

5-1/2-inch fresh slices ginger

1 onion, cut into quarters and thin sliced

7 crimini mushrooms, quartered

1 bird chili, sliced into rings

1 tablespoon EACH soy sauce and mirin

8 large fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

1 lime, juiced and cut into wedges

GARNISH

Fresh basil

Scallions, bias-sliced into 1/2-inch lengths

1 carrot, cut into matchsticks

1/2-cup fresh cilantro

1/4-cup dry roasted peanuts

DIRECTIONS:

1.   Soak the noodles in warm water for 30 minutes.

2.   Drain and set aside.

3.   In a stock pot add lemongrass and next 7 ingredients.

4.   Add chicken strips, noodles; then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

5.   Serve with garnish in a side dish.

ENJOY DAN:                               HEART AND SOUL IN THE KITCHEN!!