Charring the Vegetables and Finishing the Pho

Char the onions, shallots, and ginger, directly over a gas burner or under the broiler, about 5 to 6 minutes. Tie the charred vegetables, star anise, garlic cloves, and cinnamon stick in a damped cheesecloth. Add the spice bag and parsnips to the simmering broth. Season the broth with salt and pepper. Simmer the liquid for 1 hour. Add the tripe and tendons to the broth and simmer uncovered for 5 hours. Two hours after adding the tripe, add the flank steak and brisket.