The day before, I prepare dried shiitake mushrooms, kombu (seaweed), and dried small
fish by soaking them in water.
I wasn't able to do this during the summer, but starting around October when the
room temperature has dropped, I've been making dashi (Japanese soup stock) with
these ingredients every morning.
First, I take out the dried shiitake mushrooms and slice them. Meanwhile, I heat a pot
to just before boiling.
I remove the kombu, discard the dried small fish, and add the sliced shiitake
mushrooms to the pot while replenishing the water.
I add deep-fried tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, and bring it to a boil.
This forms the base for the dashi.