Pho King Mushroom, Lotus Root, Radicchio, Ginkgo Nuts and Surimi

Yummy and healthy!
   
     The surimi in the recipe is a fancy one that I purchased in Las Vegas.  It is packaged with its own small cutting board.  Fancy surimi are available with many different design patterns, including cherry blossom.
     Radicchio adds a bitter cabbage flavor to this Pho recipe.  King trumpet mushrooms are a delicate flavored type of oyster mushroom that are a very strong immune system booster.  Fresh lotus root adds a nice neutral starchy vegetable flavor and some eye appeal.  Fresh ginkgo nuts add a mellow flavor and they have very strong anti oxidant properties.  I used fresh rice ribbon noodles for this pho recipe.
  
     Pho King Mushroom, Lotus Root, Radicchio, Ginkgo Nuts and Surimi Recipe:
     Heat a sauce pot over medium heat.
     Add 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
     Add 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil.
     Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
     Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger.
     Add 1 thin sliced medium size king mushroom.
     Saute till the mushroom slices become lightly browned.
     Add 1/3 cup of thin sliced radicchio.
     Add 8 thin slices of peeled fresh lotus root.
     Add 2 1/2 cups of light vegetable broth.
     Raise the temperature to medium high heat.
     Add 4 to 6 fresh ginkgo nuts.  (Do not add too many!  Ginkgo nut is medicinal!)
     Add sea salt and white pepper.
     Add 1 pinch of Chinese 5 spice powder.
     Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.
     Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
     Cook till the lotus root slices become al dente.
     Add 1 green onion that is cut into bite size pieces.
     Add 1 handful of fresh ribbon rice noodles.
     Add 3 surimi slices.
     When the noodles hot, then the soup is ready!
     Pour the pho soup into a bowl.
     Arrange some of the surimi, lotus root, ginkgo nut and king mushrooms on top of the noodles so the soup looks nice.
     Place a generous amount of fresh cilantro sprigs on the middle of the soup.
     Garnish with a fresh Thai basil sprig.
  
     This pho soup recipe has a very nice light healthy flavor!  The fancy surimi slices add a nice touch.  The fresh basil and cilantro are stirred into the hot broth, as you dine, for a very refreshing flavor.  Delicious!  ...  Shawna