Dashi Stock (Japanese Clear Soup Stock)

There are four types made from kelp, dried bonito, shitake mushroom, or dried fish.  Dashi stock is the secret of Japanese cooking.  To keep the stock vegetarian, omit the dried bonito flakes and substitute with soy bean sprouts or mushrooms.

Serves 5
 
Ingredients

• 30 gm dried Kombu (10 inches)   (Dried Kelp)
• 1 cup soy bean sprouts
 
Directions

1. Lightly brush kombu clean without removing its coating of white dust.
2. Place in a large saucepan with 6 cups of cold water.  Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat and cook for 5 minutes.  Remove the kombu and discard it. 
3. Add 1 cup cold water and the sprouts to the broth.  Return to simmer for 5 minutes.  Increase heat to high. 
4. Once the stock boils, remove from the heat.  Strain the stock through a cheesecloth-lined sieve, discarding  the sprouts.  

Note

Stock may be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days or  frozen for up to 6 months.