The comforting aroma of matzo balls floating in a rich, flavorful broth is the essence of this traditional dish. The tender carrots, celery, and onions provide an earthy depth, while the fluffy matzo balls soak up the flavors, making every spoonful a warm, nostalgic experience.
Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this Matzo Ball Soup offers a delightful way to nourish both the body and soul. Whether served as a main course or a side, this classic dish never fails to bring joy and warmth to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 large carrots, chopped
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2 stalks celery, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups water
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 cup matzo meal
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
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In a separate bowl, mix matzo meal, eggs, vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
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Form the matzo mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
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Drop the matzo balls into the simmering broth and cook for 20-25 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.
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Once done, add fresh parsley to the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot with extra parsley for garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Matzo Ball Soup: A Comforting and Timeless Classic
Matzo Ball Soup is one of those dishes that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth with every spoonful. Originating from the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, this classic dish is often enjoyed during Passover but also makes for a delicious, comforting meal year-round. The combination of hearty chicken broth, tender vegetables, and fluffy matzo balls creates a unique balance of flavor and texture that is simply irresistible.
The beauty of Matzo Ball Soup lies in its simplicity. At first glance, it might appear as just a basic chicken soup, but when you add the delicate matzo balls, everything changes. The matzo balls, made from a combination of matzo meal, eggs, and fat (often butter or schmaltz), are soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the flavor of the broth as they cook. The result is a dish that is both light and rich at the same time, offering the perfect comfort food experience.
Why Matzo Ball Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
When you think of comfort food, you likely imagine something warm, hearty, and nourishing—qualities that Matzo Ball Soup embodies perfectly. This dish is deeply satisfying, whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly winter evening or when you’re in need of a soothing meal. The rich chicken broth provides the perfect foundation for the soft matzo balls, and the addition of carrots, celery, and onions adds depth to the flavor profile.
Matzo Ball Soup is not just about taste; it also carries with it a cultural and emotional significance. For many, this soup is a connection to their heritage and family traditions. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weekly family dinner, it’s a dish that brings people together and evokes a sense of home and togetherness. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug from the inside.
The Role of Chicken in Matzo Ball Soup
The chicken is one of the key elements that elevate this dish. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds extra flavor to the broth, creating a rich and savory base. While the chicken simmers, the fat and collagen released into the broth make it even more flavorful. After cooking, the chicken is shredded and added back into the soup, giving each bite a bit of protein and heartiness. This process is what transforms Matzo Ball Soup from a simple broth-based dish into a deeply satisfying meal.
You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs are the preferred choice for many, thanks to their flavor and tenderness. Additionally, the chicken skin imparts a wonderful richness, which is why many cooks choose to leave it on during cooking.
The Matzo Balls: Soft, Fluffy, and Flavorful
The heart of the soup is undoubtedly the matzo balls themselves. These soft dumplings are the perfect contrast to the savory broth. Matzo meal is the base ingredient, which is combined with eggs, butter (or schmaltz), and seasonings to form a dough that’s refrigerated before being rolled into balls and cooked in the simmering soup.
There are several tricks to making perfect matzo balls. First, it’s essential to avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough matzo balls, so you should mix just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the matzo balls hold their shape and texture during cooking. If you’re making matzo balls for the first time, it’s a good idea to test one ball before cooking the entire batch to ensure it holds together.
For added flavor, many people incorporate fresh herbs, such as dill, into their matzo balls. Dill is a classic addition that complements the soup beautifully, infusing each bite with a touch of brightness. While some recipes call for baking powder to help the matzo balls rise, you can skip this step for denser balls, depending on your texture preferences.
Perfecting the Broth
The broth is as important as the matzo balls, as it forms the base of the soup. A good chicken broth is essential for the depth of flavor, and while store-bought options are convenient, homemade chicken broth is a game-changer. Making your own broth allows you to control the flavors and seasonings, ensuring a rich and well-rounded taste.
The combination of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic creates a classic mirepoix, which is sautéed in the rendered chicken fat for added flavor before the broth is poured in. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness that balances out the richness of the soup. The broth simmers with the chicken thighs for about 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Matzo Ball Soup for Any Occasion
Matzo Ball Soup is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. While it is traditionally a holiday dish, it’s also perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a special dish for family gatherings. The soup can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The broth and matzo ball mixture can be made in advance, and the soup can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
For an extra special meal, pair Matzo Ball Soup with some crispy potato latkes or a classic deli sandwich, such as a Reuben, for a complete feast. These side dishes complement the soup perfectly, adding a crunchy texture and additional flavors to round out the meal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When serving Matzo Ball Soup, it’s important to consider the sides and accompaniments. Many people love pairing it with a slice of challah bread, which is perfect for dipping in the broth. For a more festive meal, consider serving it alongside a salad of fresh greens or a side of tangy pickles to balance the richness of the soup.
If you’re preparing this dish for Passover, it’s traditional to serve it with other classic foods, such as brisket or kugel. However, Matzo Ball Soup also works well with simple sides, making it suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal holiday gathering.
Conclusion
Matzo Ball Soup is a dish that transcends time and trends, offering both comfort and nostalgia with every spoonful. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply looking for a cozy meal, this soup is a perfect choice. Its rich chicken broth, tender chicken, and fluffy matzo balls make for a dish that is as satisfying as it is heartwarming. By following a few simple tips and techniques, you can create a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup that will bring joy to your family and friends, making it a cherished recipe for years to come.