Serves two
A good salty broth after a strenuous day. May be served as is or with enough additions to make a complete meal.
• 4 by 4-inch piece of kombu
• 3 tablespoons bonita fish flakes OR a handful of iriki (small dried fish)
• 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
• 4 cups water
Bring all ingredients to boil except tamari. Move to lower heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Strain (optional). Add tamari.
Garnishes: chopped sorrel or wild onions; toasted sesame seeds; Parmesan cheese; popcorn.
Variations: See Seeweed Soup and Watercress Soup recipes; drop in Fish Dumplings after it has come to a boil; add handful of dried shrimp at the beginning or freeze-dried or canned shrimp at the end; add 6 ounces noodles when broth comes to a boil.