Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Matzo Ball Soup is a traditional dish that warms not just the stomach, but also the heart. It is especially popular during Jewish holidays, like Passover, but its comfort transcends any occasion. This soup brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful broth filled with tender chicken and light, fluffy matzo balls. Making this soup at home brings a sense of accomplishment and a taste of nostalgia. Plus, there’s something truly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially during cold days or when you need a little extra care.

Moreover, Matzo Ball Soup is a versatile dish. It’s great for family gatherings, a comforting meal for one, or a dish to share with friends. You don’t have to be Jewish or celebrate Passover to enjoy this delicious soup. With its wholesome ingredients and flavors, it’s a recipe anyone can enjoy year-round. So, if you’re looking for a meal that brings warmth and feelings of home, this is it!

How to Make Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

Making Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s quite simple and straight to the point. You will find a step-by-step guide that walks you through the whole process of creating this delightful dish, from making the matzo balls to cooking the rich chicken broth. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s begin!

Ingredients

To make Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup Matzo meal
• 2 tablespoons Fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/4 cup Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat)
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2 pieces Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 cup Chicken schmaltz
• 2 Carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks Celery, chopped
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 cups Low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 Bay leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Matzo Balls: In a mixing bowl, combine the matzo meal, fresh dill, fresh parsley, salt, baking powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fluffy. Stir in the schmaltz until it is well blended. Combine the egg mixture with the dry ingredients in the first bowl and mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up, allowing the matzo balls to hold their shape when cooked.

2. Make the Soup: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the 8 cups of low sodium chicken broth along with the chicken bouillon. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, stir in the dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and add the bay leaves. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully in the pot.

3. Prepare the Matzo Balls: After the soup has simmered for 30 minutes and the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to prepare the matzo balls. Remove the chilled matzo mixture from the refrigerator and use your hands to roll the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Make sure your hands are slightly moistened to prevent sticking. Carefully place the matzo balls into the simmering soup. Allow them to cook for 20 minutes. The matzo balls will puff up nicely as they cook.

4. Finishing Touch: Once the matzo balls are ready, remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Let them cool for a few minutes, then shred the meat from the bones using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir gently. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like additional parsley or dill if desired. Enjoy each warm bowl, as it brings a feeling of comfort and love.

How to Serve Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

Serving Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup is a delight. It can be served in large bowls or individual servings. Each bowl can be garnished with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. To enhance the experience, consider serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or warm bagels.

For special gatherings, you can provide a variety of toppings such as sliced radishes, fresh lemon wedges, or even horseradish for those who like a bolder flavor. This allows everyone to customize their soup according to their taste. The soup pairs wonderfully with a simple salad on the side or as a starter before the main meal.

How to Store Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the soup in advance, storing it is quite simple. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To keep the matzo balls from becoming too soggy, you may want to store them separately from the soup if you plan to reheat leftovers. When reheating, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, consider freezing it. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply take it out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

1. Use Quality Broth: The broth is the foundation of this soup, so using good-quality chicken broth will significantly enhance the flavor. Low sodium options allow you to control the salt.

2. Don’t Skip the Chill: Letting your matzo mixture chill in the refrigerator is important. This step helps the matzo balls firm up, ensuring they hold their shape when cooked.

3. Adjust the Matzo Balls Size: You can make smaller or larger matzo balls depending on your preference. Smaller ones will cook faster, while larger ones will be more filling.

4. Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the matzo balls. They should be tender but still hold their shape when done.

5. Customize with Extras: Feel free to add in vegetables or herbs of your choice. Adding peas, corn, or even fresh spinach can enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.

Variation

While this recipe for Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup is excellent as it is, you can easily adapt it to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations:

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can enhance flavor by adding mushrooms and more vegetables.

• Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth.

• Lemon Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a refreshing citrus note.

• Herb Variations: Mix different herbs to give your soup a unique touch. Thyme, rosemary, and cilantro can add diverse flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I make matzo balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the matzo mixture a day before and refrigerate it. Just make sure to shape the balls just before you want to cook them.

What if I don’t have schmaltz?

If you don’t have schmaltz, you can substitute it with butter or vegetable oil. However, schmaltz adds unique flavor that is hard to replicate.

Can I use store-bought matzo balls?

Certainly! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made matzo balls. Just add them to the soup according to the package instructions.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked thoroughly?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked. Ensure that the juices run clear when you cut into it.

Why do my matzo balls fall apart?

If your matzo balls are falling apart, it might be due to too much liquid in the mixture or if the mixture wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to follow the ingredient ratios accurately and allow adequate chilling time.

Elevate your cooking game with this Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup. It’s a timeless recipe that connects tradition with comfort, and it promises to warm your soul on even the coldest of days. Whether for a holiday or just a cozy meal at home, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household!

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