Bonito Dashi

Ingredients

• 0.5 ounce bonito shavings dry ( fish flakes)
• 8 inch dashi kombu dried ( kelp)
• 4 cups water 

Equipment

• sauce pan
• sieve

Directions

1. Wipe the kombu with a damp cloth to clean it, then cut into 1 inch pieces, and place into a saucepan along with the water.
2. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Bring the kombu to a rapid simmer; reduce to a slow simmer over low heat.
4. Sprinkle in the bonito shavings and simmer a few minutes more until the flakes have sunk to the bottom of the saucepan.
5. Remove from the heat and let stand a few minutes. Strain through a mesh strainer before using.