Shiitake Dashi

Ingredients

• 6 1/2 cups water
• 4 slices kombu seaweed, 4 inches long
• 5 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (optional)
• 1 pinch sea salt (optional)
• 1 green onion, sliced (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Place kombu in pot of water and slowly bring to a simmer over medium high heat, but do not boil; about 10 minutes on the stove.

2. 2

   Remove the kombu just before the pot boils and add the dried mushrooms.

3. 3

   Boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat and let the pot sit, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the mushrooms and store the dashi for use in another recipe, or prepare it as a simple soup by adding the soy sauce, salt to taste and sliced green onion.