Description
A comforting bowl of classic matzo ball soup made with rich homemade chicken stock and fluffy matzo balls. Known as ‘Jewish penicillin,’ this timeless recipe is nourishing, soothing, and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Chicken Stock
1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
2 carrots, peeled and cut in thirds
5 celery ribs with leaves, cut in thirds
6 cloves garlic, smashed, skins removed
1 large yellow onion, quartered, outer layer removed
1 tablespoon chicken base dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pepper
10 parsley sprigs (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Matzo Balls
1 box Manischewitz Matzo Ball Mix
4 large eggs
1/4 cup oil or chicken fat (schmaltz)
Fresh or dried chives, optional garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken, vegetables, garlic, onion, chicken base, salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme into a large stockpot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer until chicken is falling off the bone, about 1 hour.
- Taste stock and adjust seasoning as needed. Cool, refrigerate overnight, and remove fat from the top the next day. Strain through a mesh colander into another pot.
- Prepare matzo balls according to package instructions: mix matzo ball mix with eggs and oil, then form tablespoon-sized balls.
- Cook matzo balls in a wide pot of boiling water or stock until they expand and become fluffy.
- Ladle hot broth into bowls, add matzo balls, and garnish with chives. Optionally, add reserved chicken meat or extra carrots and celery slices.
Notes
Cook matzo balls separately to keep broth clear.
For extra flavor, use schmaltz instead of oil in the matzo balls.
Soup can be made gluten-free with gluten-free matzo ball mix.
Store broth separately and make fresh matzo balls when reheating.
Stock can be prepared a day ahead for easier fat removal.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with 2 matzo balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
