Handful of any mushroom variety (dried shiitake work best)
5-7 pieced coriander root/ stalks
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
2 dried red chillies
2 star anise
2 tsp brown sugar
Salt to taste
Coconut oil
For the Toppings:
4 Farmer Max Chicken thighs
2 tbsp ginger
2 tbsp garlic
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce light
1 tbsp shoaxing
Splash of sesame oil
400g rice noodles
Mixed vegetables (pak choi, baby corn, edamame, broccoli, fresh herbs, spring onions, sliced red chillies work best!)
METHOD
Heat oven to 200 degrees celsius. Place the beef bones, carrots, celery, onions and garlic on a large baking tray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Mix well to combine.
Bake the ingredients for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil. Fry the ginger, lemongrass, peppercorns, star anise, bay leaves, and dried chillies for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
Add in the brown sugar, mushrooms, and coriander root and continue frying for 2 minutes on medium heat.
Add in the baked ingredients and 5 litres of water into the saucepan and mix well to combine.
Once the contents of the saucepan come to a boil, turn the heat to low and simmer gently for a minimum of 2 hours and upto 5 hours, occasionally stirring, with the lid propped on to allow excess steam to escape
Once done, strain the broth using a cheesecloth (or fine sieve) and place back into a saucepan. Stir in ¼ cup soy sauce and taste for salt. Set aside.
Prepare your noodles according to the instructions on the packet & set aside.
Precook/ parboil any vegetables that need cooking. Leafy vegetables like Pak Choi will cook in the hot broth when served.
Marinate the chicken by adding the brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, shoaxing rice wine vinegar, and splash of sesame oil. Mix well & set aside.
Heat a griddle on medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of coconut oil. Grill the chicken thighs till caramelised and crispy. Once cooked, let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Reheat the broth before serving. To each bowl, add noodles, then broth, and finally top with your vegetables and chicken!