Simple Kombu Stock Recipes

Steps:

• Wipe the kombu with a damp cloth to clean it. Cut into 1-inch pieces and place into a saucepan along with the water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand a few minutes. Strain through a mesh strainer before using.

Steps:

• Wipe away any dirt from the kombu with a paper towel, being careful not to rub off the white powdery deposits on the seaweed. Place the kombu and water in a saucepan, and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to become soft.
• Remove the kombu from the water, and cut several lengthwise slits into the leaf. Return the kombu to the water, and bring it to a boil. As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the kombu to prevent the stock from becoming bitter.
• Stir the bonito flakes into the kombu-flavored water, bring back to a boil, and take the pan off the heat. Allow the water to cool. When the bonito flakes have settled to the bottom, strain the dashi through a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

Steps:

• Place 4 1/2 cups water and the kombu in a pot.
• Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Add a little soy sauce to flavor.
• Use as is, as a base for soups, to cook rice, etc.

Steps:

• Combine the stock and kombu in a 2-quart saucepan or small soup pot. Bring to a simmer.
• Dissolve the desired amount of miso in just enough warm water to make it pourable. Stir into the broth and remove from the heat. Let stand for 30 minutes or serve at once, removing and discarding the kombu just before serving.
• Variations
• Embellish miso broth with any of the following:
• Diced tofu
• Cooked Asian noodles
• Finely chopped scallions
• Grated fresh daikon radish or white turnip
• Crisp cucumber, seeded and grated
• Nutrition Information
• Per cup:
• Calories: 42
• Total fat: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Carbohydrate: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 9mg