Matzo Ball Soup

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Matzo Ball Soup is a classic comfort food that’s incredibly satisfying yet light. The fluffy matzo balls are soft, tender, and melt in your mouth, perfectly complementing the savory chicken broth. With the addition of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and a sprinkle of dill, this soup is flavorful, aromatic, and wholesome. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and light, making it a favorite among families and a staple in Jewish cuisine.

Ingredients

Matzo Ball Prep:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup schmaltz (or vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Chicken:

• 12 cups chicken stock
• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 3 stalks celery (cut into chunks)
• 2 carrots (cut into chunks)
• 1/2 yellow onion (cut into wedges)

To Finish:

• 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
• 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh dill (minced)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Matzo Ball Prep:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, schmaltz (or vegetable oil), water, matzo meal, kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
2. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow it to set.

Chicken:

1. Add the chicken stock, chicken breasts, celery, carrots, and onion to a large pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Set aside.
3. Remove the vegetables and strain the stock into a large container or pot, discarding the solids.

To Finish:

1. Add the strained stock back into the large pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Scoop out 3-tablespoon-sized portions of the matzo ball mixture and drop them into the pot, ensuring there’s 30 seconds between each ball to keep them from sticking together. (Tip: If you’re hand-rolling, work quickly so the schmaltz doesn’t melt in your hands, which can make the matzo balls dense.)
3. Once all the matzo balls are in the pot, stir gently to ensure they aren’t sticking together. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
4. After 40 minutes, add the thinly sliced celery, carrots, and fresh dill. Cover and let the matzo balls simmer for another 20 minutes.
5. Add the shredded chicken into the soup, stir, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a light, vegetarian version of the soup.
• Spicy Matzo Ball Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Matzo Balls: Add extra fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the matzo ball mixture for more flavor.
• Gluten-Free Matzo Balls: Use gluten-free matzo meal to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a little more broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I make matzo balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the matzo balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just simmer them in the broth when ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth if you don’t have homemade stock. Opt for a high-quality broth for the best flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, Matzo Ball Soup freezes well. Freeze the soup without the matzo balls and add fresh matzo balls when reheating. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the matzo balls from being dense?

To keep the matzo balls light and fluffy, make sure not to overwork the mixture when forming the balls. Also, refrigerating the mixture for at least 2 hours helps achieve a lighter texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.

Can I make this soup without dill?

Yes, while dill adds a nice freshness to the soup, you can omit it or substitute it with parsley or thyme.

How do I know when the matzo balls are done?

The matzo balls should float to the surface of the broth after simmering for about 40 minutes, and they should be cooked through when tested with a fork.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe and provide a richer flavor. Just be sure to shred the chicken before adding it back to the soup.

Conclusion

Matzo Ball Soup is the perfect comfort food, with its rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and light, fluffy matzo balls. This traditional Jewish dish is packed with wholesome ingredients and a wonderful balance of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy, filling meal, this soup is sure to warm both your heart and your soul.

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