Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   To prepare the dashi, or stock: Place the cold water in a saucepan. Using a damp cloth, wipe the kombu, removing any dirt. Place the kombu in the cold water, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Remove the kombu immediately, and reserve for another use. Bring the water again to a boil, and remove from the heat. Add the bonito flakes and stir, and then let them settle to the bottom of the pan, about 1 minute. Strain the liquid through a fine-meshed strainer lined with cheesecloth. Discard the bonito flakes.

2. Step 2

   To make the dipping sauce, combine 2 cups of the dashi with the soy sauce and mirin in a bowl. Chill. (For serving, you may divide it into six portions and chill.)

3. Step 3

   To cook the noodles, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the noodles, scattering them over the surface. Once the water reaches a boil, cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until just tender. Put the noodles in a colander, and rinse under cold running water to remove the starch. Drain thoroughly, and divide among six baskets or bowls.

4. Step 4

   Place the scallions and wasabi in the center of the table with the noodles. Each diner then mixes a dab of the wasabi and 1 tablespoon of the scallions in a portion of dipping sauce and, using chopsticks, dips noodles into the sauce.