Dashi
Photo by Lynne Calamia
ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
Yield: 2 quarts
Software
- 2 (4-inch) square pieces kombu (dried kelp)
- 2 1/2 quarts water
- 2 cups bonito flakes or katsuobushi
Procedure
- Put the kombu in a 4-quart saucepan, cover with the water, and soak for 30 minutes.
- Set the saucepan over medium heat until the water reaches 150 to 160ºF and small bubbles appear around the sides of the pan, 9 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the kombu from the pan and discard. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the bonito flakes. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer lined with muslin or several layers of cheesecloth. Reserve the bonito flakes for making Glazed Bonito Flakes.
- Let the broth cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.