Japanese Soba Noodles

In Japan, soba noodles are eaten at midnight on New Year's Eve.  The long thin noodles symbolize long life, and they cut easily while eaten which symbolizes letting go of hardship for the year.  Traditionally a dashi broth is made of kelp and bonito flakes then seasoned with mirin, sake and soy sauce.   A variety of toppings can be added.  I simmered shrimp, snow peas, carrots and Chinese broccoli in the broth then sprinkled it with a dash of  shichimi togarashi to spice it up a little.  This simple bowl of noodles was a very healthy way to end one year and begin another.