Description
Matzo Ball Soup is a timeless, comforting dish featuring tender, fluffy matzo balls simmered in a savory chicken broth with fresh herbs and vegetables. This classic recipe delivers warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any day you need a soul-soothing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Matzo Balls
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chicken fat or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Broth and Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Matzo Ball Mixture: Combine matzo meal, beaten eggs, chicken fat or oil, salt, and a touch of pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easy shaping.
- Shape the Matzo Balls: With wet hands, scoop small portions of the chilled mixture and roll into smooth balls about the size of a walnut, handling lightly to keep them tender.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, simmer chicken broth with diced carrots, celery, and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Add fresh parsley and dill during the last 10 minutes to preserve their brightness.
- Cook the Matzo Balls: Gently drop the matzo balls into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes without stirring, allowing them to expand and become fluffy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the broth and matzo balls into bowls, garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the matzo ball mixture for at least 30 minutes to make shaping easier and ensure lighter balls.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid dense matzo balls.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer while cooking matzo balls to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality broth for the richest flavor.
- Customize Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs toward the end of cooking to maintain vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Matzo Ball Soup, Jewish Soup, Comfort Food, Classic Soup, Gluten Free Soup, Holiday Soup, Traditional Recipe
