Mixed Mushroom Pho | SKS

Ingredients

• 1 large piece kombu
• 1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 pounds assorted fresh mushrooms (like king, shiitake, oyster, and button), rinsed
• 12 ounces carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 cup good-quality vegetable oil
• Pepper
• 1 pound thin, flat white or brown rice noodles
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 small bunch watercress, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 fresh hot chile (like Thai or Fresno), sliced, or to taste