THAI NOODLES WITH CHICKEN PATTIES (SOUP OR SALAD)

Steps:

• To make patties: Mix all required ingredients in a medium bowl using your hands; cover and let marinate in the fridge for 30mins.
• Shape chicken mixture into patties (if you like, you can make chicken meatballs).
• Heat 1-2 TB oil in skillet over MED-HI heat and cook patties, turning once, for 6 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown; set aside in a low oven to keep warm.
• Whisk together dressing/dipping sauce ingredients, set aside.
• To make salad: Bring salted water to boil in a saucepan (enough to cover the noodles), add noodles and cook for 4 mins or until tender; drain.
• You may also blanch your vegetables in the boiling water for a few minutes, depending on how 'crunchy' you like your salad to be; drain.
• Place cooked noodles and vegetables in a large bowl, add half of the dressing; toss to coat.
• If desired, cut the cooked patties into thin slices (for presentation) before serving.
• To serve the salad, divide the salad mixture on 2-3 plates, top with sliced chicken patties, drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with cilantro/basil and chopped cashews.
• To make soup: Bring chicken stock to boil, add ginger, lemongrass, fish and soy sauce; add pho and cook until tender (approx 6-8 mins).
• Add vegetables to soup to blanch them for a few minutes.
• To serve, divide noodles/vegetables/soup into 2-3 bowls and sprinkle some black pepper and a few drops of sesame oil.
• Top with the sliced chicken patties and garnish with basil/cilantro and cashews.