Simmered Tofu With Shiitake

12 dried whole shiitake mushrooms
3 pounds of soft tofu, cut into 1-by-2inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 scallion, thinly sliced on the diagonal

Bring 8 cups of water and the mushrooms to the boil. reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.

Strain the broth through a fine sieve or several layers of cheese cloth.

Set the broth aside.

Thoroughly clean the mushrooms. Blot them dry. Remove and discard the stems. Thinly slice the caps. Set aside.

Bring the broth to a simmer. Gently lower the tofu into the simmering broth. Do not allow the broth and the tofu to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Gently remove the tofu from the broth and divide it among individuals bowls.

Add the salt to the broth, stir.

Ladle the broth equally over the tofu in the bowls. Divide the mushrooms and the sliced scallions evenly among the bowls.

Serve.