Easy Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)

1 - (optional) - Finely dice the onion. Heat a medium-sized pot to high, add onion and stir until scorched. This piece is optional but is used to add a "pot-au-feu" flavor to the soup. 3 - Add 2 liters of water to the medium pot and bring to a boil. When boiling, add soup powder, crushed dried chili peppers, garlic powder, and Cilantro flakes and reduce heat. 4 - Start 3 liters of water boiling in a large pot for the noodles. This will take some time to come to a boil. Add noodles and cook as per instructions. Drain, rinse and divide into bowls immediately to prevent sticking. 5 - Slice the beef in to thin strips across the grain. 6 - Wash and dice green onions; wash been sprouts. 7 - (optional) - If the extra vegetable are being used: wash and slice mushrooms, peel and shred the carrot. 8 - When broth boils, add beef and stir for 3-5 minutes (depending on how well cooked you prefer). 9 - Divide the meat across the bowls. 10 - Add bean sprouts, green onions and mushrooms. 11 - Add the rest of the broth to the bowls. 12 - Sprinkle the shredded carrot on top the soup and serve.