Dashi stock

1. Soak the dried kombu seaweed piece in 3-4 cups of cold water for about 20 minutes. Bring the water to the boil, then add the handful of bonito flakes. Immediately switch off the heat and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Strain through a sieve, pressing out all the goodness.

2. Alternative: Add kombu seaweed and bonito flakes to a pot of cold water and let sit overnight. Strain.