Prepare Toppings: Prepare toppings so that they are ready to serve. We like to arrange the mint, Thai basil and sliced chiles on a platter, leaving room for some bean sprouts. Set aside.

Freeze the Meat: Place the meat in the freezer for about 20 minutes or just until ice crystals begin to form. This will allow you to cut it super thin. Meanwhile, proceed with the other prep.

Char the Leeks and Ginger: You will note that the recipe calls for whole leeks, whereas you probably know by now that only the green parts are low FODMAP. We are going to char the leek greens and it is just easier to maneuver using the whole leek; please follow the directions carefully. Char the leek greens and the ginger by placing directly over a gas flame. If you do not have gas, place on a rack set on a baking sheet pan under the broiler. In either case, rotate the leeks and ginger several times with tongs so that they get a good black char all the way around. Cool. Use your fingers and a small paring knife to remove all of the black charred parts. Roughly chop the leek greens and the ginger and add to a large pot. It is imperative to only use the green parts of the leek; discard the rest of the leek stalks.

Soak the Noodles: Place noodles in a large, deep bowl and cover with hot for about 15 minutes or until pliable. Meanwhile continue with other prep.

Slice the Meat: While the noodles are soaking and stock is simmering, remove beef from freezer and cut against the grain as thinly as possible but definitely no thicker than 1/4-inch. The dimensions should be large bite-sized pieces. Set aside; beef should be room temperature when you assemble the Pho.

Strain and Season the stock: Taste the stock; it should be well flavored. Strain the stock, discarding solids. Return stock to pot. Taste and season to taste with fish sauce and optional sugar, if using. Keep stock hot over low heat.

Blanch Bean Sprouts and Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch bean sprouts for about 10 to 15 seconds and remove them with a strainer. Shake them dry and place a mound on the Toppings platter; set the majority of them aside to be used in assembly. Add noodles to boiling water and cook just until al dente, which will only take a few minutes. Drain and set aside.

Assemble Pho: Warm deep soup bowls with very hot water and dry. Place noodles in each bowl, then top with several slices of raw beef, fanned out to expose maximum surface area. Add a small mound of reserved bean sprouts to the side. Bring stock to a boil and ladle over the meat and sprouts; the heat will cook the meat. Quickly garnish with sliced scallions, cilantro and lime wedges and serve immediately. Encourage diners to add toppings of their choice and dig in!