Dried shiitake broth

When I need a low sodium broth or a vegan broth this is what I use.

• 1C water, hot but not boiling (I use the microwave for 1 minute)
• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
• Pinch of curry powder (that is, 1/8 teaspoon)

Put the mushrooms in the water.  After another minute or two, they should be soft enough to stick a fork through all of them: the weight of the fork will keep the mushrooms from floating up.  Let sit for another 20-30 minutes, but it works best for several hours or even over night.  Squeeze the mushrooms as you take them out: use them for something else.  Add a pinch of curry powder: you don't want to taste it so much as have it add a little depth.

Important note: cooking the broth for a long time destroys the subtle flavors.  You can heat the broth, but try not to actually cook with it for best results.