jewish chicken matzo ball soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
jewish chicken matzo ball soup recipe
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The Best jewish chicken matzo ball soup recipe

I have always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of Jewish cuisine, and one dish that stands out in my mind is the classic chicken matzo ball soup. This hearty soup has been a staple in Jewish households for generations, and for good reason – it’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that warms the soul. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to whip up a batch of this soup, which is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My family loves it when I make this soup, and I love how it brings us all together around the table. The history of matzo ball soup is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The soup is typically served on Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and during other special occasions.

According to legend, the first matzo balls were made from the scraps of bread left over from Passover seders. Over time, the recipe evolved to include chicken broth and vegetables, but the core idea remains the same: to create a nourishing meal that brings people together. In terms of taste and texture, matzo ball soup is a true delight.

The tender chicken broth is infused with the subtle flavor of carrots, celery, and onions, while the matzo balls add a delightful texture that’s both soft and chewy. My kids love helping me shape the dough into balls before we drop them into the simmering broth. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your family’s tastes.

Want to make it spicier? Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the broth. Want to make it creamier?

Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. Of course, no discussion of matzo ball soup would be complete without talking about its nutritional benefits. This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and vegetables like carrots and celery provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Jewish Chicken Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

Jewish Chicken Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

4.8 from 970 votes

A comforting and traditional Jewish soup featuring tender chicken, fluffy matzo balls, and a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broth

2 lbs chicken pieces
2 large onions, quartered
4 celery stalks, cut in half
4 carrots, cut in half
1 large parsley root, cut in half
1 large parsnip, cut in half
1 whole garlic bulb, cut in half
2 bay leaves
10 whole black peppercorns
salt to taste

For the Matzo Balls

1/2 cup matzo meal
2 large eggs
2 tbsp chicken fat or vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

For Garnish

fresh parsley, chopped
fresh dill, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large stockpot, combine chicken, onions, celery, carrots, parsley root, parsnip, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
2Cover with 3 quarts of water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Once boiling, reduce heat to low, skimming any foam that rises to the top.
5Cover and let it simmer for 2 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily falls off the bone.
6Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
7Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
8Skim any fat from the surface of the broth.
9While the broth is simmering, prepare the matzo balls.
10In a mixing bowl, combine matzo meal, eggs, chicken fat or vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and parsley.
11Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
12Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
13Using wet hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
14Place the balls on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.
15Bring the strained broth back to a boil.
16Reduce heat to low and gently drop the matzo balls into the broth.
17Cover and let them simmer for 30 minutes, until they have doubled in size and are light and fluffy.
18While the matzo balls are cooking, shred the cooled chicken into small pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
19Once the matzo balls are cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot.
20Stir gently to combine.
21Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
22The soup is ready to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer broth, you can add a whole chicken or chicken wings instead of chicken pieces. You can also add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Jewish chicken matzo ball soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftovers and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave. This recipe is a family favorite and is always a hit at gatherings. It is a great way to bring people together and enjoy a delicious meal.

I love that this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or a dish to impress your guests, this Jewish chicken matzo ball soup recipe is always a good idea. I often make it for family gatherings because it is a dish that everyone loves and can enjoy together, whether it is a holiday or just a regular family meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless chicken breast or thighs. You can also use leftover roasted chicken if you have it on hand.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the ingredients and assembling the soup in advance. However, be sure to refrigerate or freeze the components separately before assembling the final product.

Q: Are matzo balls gluten-free?

A: Traditional matzo balls are not gluten-free due to their reliance on wheat flour as an ingredient. However, you can easily make gluten-free matzo balls by substituting wheat flour with rice flour or another gluten-free alternative.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as diced potatoes, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach to create a more substantial meal.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: The preparation time for this recipe is relatively quick at about 20 minutes total including shaping the matzo balls.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

A: Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this recipe simply substitute out any animal-based broths for vegetable broth.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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