Classic Matzo Ball Soup

Warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. 💛 A timeless bowl of matzo ball magic! 🥣😋

1. Introduction:

Classic Matzo Ball Soup is a comforting and traditional dish, perfect for warming you from the inside out. Fluffy matzo balls float in a clear, flavorful broth, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

2. Ingredients List:

• Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 large celery stalks with leaves on, chopped
• 1 5-6 pound chicken
• Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish
• 3 Eggs
• 3 sprigs fresh dill
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 sprigs parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup seltzer water
• 4 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil

3. Cooking Guide:

First, prepare the matzo ball mixture and let it chill. While it chills, simmer the chicken broth with seasonings. Gently drop the matzo balls into the simmering broth and cook until they are light and fluffy.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water. Place the cleaned chicken in a large pot. Cover the chicken completely with fresh water and bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Be careful not to boil, as this will cloud the broth. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering.

Step 2: Add vegetables and herbs

Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion to the pot with the chicken. Toss in your favorite herbs, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Continue to simmer the broth gently for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cool and strain the broth

Carefully pour the soup through a fine-mesh strainer into another container, separating the broth from the solids. Allow the broth to cool completely. Once cooled, remove the cooked chicken meat from the solids and set aside. Skim off any solidified fat from the surface of the chilled broth. Save this chicken fat for making the matzo balls.

Step 4: Prepare Matzo Ball Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken fat (or vegetable oil) until well combined. Gradually stir in the matzo meal and salt until a thick batter forms. Add seltzer water to the dough. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the matzo meal to absorb the liquid and the dough to firm up.

Step 5: Form and Cook Matzo Balls

Form the chilled matzo dough into small, teaspoon-sized balls. Bring the prepared chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. Gently drop the matzo balls into the boiling broth. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the matzo balls are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once the matzo balls are cooked through, serve the soup immediately while it's hot. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving includes a few matzo balls and some of the delicious broth.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish each bowl of soup with freshly chopped dill or parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade matzo ball soup.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the Matzo Ball Soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. It's a perfect dish on its own, or as a starter to a larger meal. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 6 servings, Calories: 612kcal, Protein: 39g, Fat: 39g, Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Cholesterol: 218mg, Sodium: 470mg

6. Wrapping It Up:

Classic Matzo Ball Soup is more than just a meal; it's a taste of tradition and comfort. Give this recipe a try and share the warmth with your loved ones!