Grandma’s Golden Matzo Ball Soup Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Memories of my grandmother’s hearty matzo ball soup always transport me to cozy kitchen moments filled with warmth.

Her recipe sparked countless conversations around our family table.

Jewish culinary traditions blend perfectly in this comforting dish that speaks volumes about heritage and love.

Rich chicken broth cradles delicate, fluffy dumplings crafted with care and generations of wisdom.

Each spoonful tells a story of connection and nourishment passed down through time.

Tender matzo balls float like clouds, promising comfort in every delectable bite.

She knew exactly how to create magic with simple ingredients that heal both body and soul.

Dive into this recipe and let tradition embrace you with its delicious embrace.

Why Matzo Ball Soup Is So Comforting

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Discover a soul-warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal perfect for nurturing loved ones during chilly days or when someone needs extra care.
• Master Easy Technique: Learn a foolproof method for creating tender, fluffy matzo balls without complicated cooking skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Dive into a traditional Jewish dish that connects generations, bringing authentic flavors and cherished family memories to your dining table with minimal preparation effort.
• Customize with Simplicity: Adapt the recipe by adding personal touches like extra herbs or adjusting seasoning, allowing you to make this classic soup uniquely yours while maintaining its classic charm.

Ingredients for Classic Matzo Ball Soup

• Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that provides a rich and comforting foundation for the soup.
• Matzo Meal: A key ingredient that creates the signature light and fluffy matzo balls.
• Eggs: Bind the matzo balls together and add structure to the dumplings.

• Carrots, Celery: Fresh vegetables that add natural sweetness and depth to the soup's flavor profile.

• Salt, Fresh Parsley: Salt enhances the overall taste of the soup, while parsley provides a fresh, bright garnish.

How to Make Matzo Ball Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Broth

• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Let the mixture simmer softly, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, warm essence.

Step 2: Whip Up Matzo Ball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend eggs with a pinch of salt. Slowly incorporate matzo meal, stirring carefully to create a smooth, consistent texture.

Be gentle and avoid overmixing to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 3: Shape Fluffy Dumplings

With slightly dampened hands, roll the mixture into tender, golf ball-sized dumplings.

Place them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up and develop a perfect texture.

Step 4: Cook Matzo Balls to Perfection

Gently lower the chilled dumplings into the simmering broth.

Cover the pot and let them cook for 20-25 minutes. Watch as they puff up and become wonderfully light and tender.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy this heartwarming classic that brings comfort with every spoonful.

Helpful Notes for Matzo Ball Soup

• Refrigerate the matzo ball mixture for at least 30 minutes to help them hold shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Use wet hands when forming matzo balls to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform dumplings.
• Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to ensure matzo balls cook evenly without breaking apart.
• Taste and adjust broth seasoning before adding matzo balls to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh touch to the comforting soup.

Variations to Try with Matzo Ball Soup

• Gluten-Free Matzo Ball Soup: Replace traditional matzo meal with almond flour or gluten-free matzo meal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Incorporate ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the matzo ball mixture for a zesty kick.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use homemade low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, replacing flavor with fresh herbs like dill and parsley.

Pairings for Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate flavors of the matzo ball soup, cutting through its richness with bright, citrusy notes.

Serve warm, golden challah on the side to soak up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful textural contrast and traditional Jewish culinary touch.

Add a plate of tangy, crunchy kosher dill pickles to provide a zesty counterpoint to the soup’s gentle, comforting warmth.

Offer a soothing chamomile or mint tea after the meal to aid digestion and continue the soup’s nurturing, healing qualities.

How to Store Matzo Ball Soup Properly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container, keeping matzo balls and broth separate to maintain texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Matzo balls can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicate texture.
• Warm soup in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out matzo balls.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps preserve the soup's flavors and matzo balls' soft consistency.

FAQs

• What are matzo balls made of?

Matzo balls are made from matzo meal (ground matzo crackers), eggs, salt, and sometimes a bit of oil or schmaltz, creating light and fluffy dumplings traditionally served in chicken broth.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the matzo ball mixture?

Refrigeration helps the mixture firm up and allows the matzo meal to absorb liquid, which creates a better texture and prevents the balls from falling apart during cooking.

• How can I tell if my matzo balls are cooked properly?

Matzo balls are done when they puff up, float to the surface, and become light and tender, typically taking 20-25 minutes to cook through in simmering broth.

Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Matzo ball soup carries warmth from Jewish kitchens, bringing comfort through generations. Delicate dumplings swim in golden broth, offering a soulful embrace you’ll cherish with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 grams) matzo meal

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot by combining chicken broth with finely chopped carrots and celery, allowing the vegetables to infuse their aromatic essence into the liquid.
2. In a separate mixing vessel, vigorously whisk eggs with salt until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth base for the matzo balls.
3. Incorporate matzo meal into the egg mixture, stirring gently and deliberately to maintain a light texture, being cautious not to overwork the batter.
4. Using moistened palms, craft uniform spherical dumplings approximately the size of golf balls.
5. Transfer the delicate matzo balls to the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling them to solidify and develop a consistent structure.
6. Gently lower the chilled matzo balls into the simmering broth, ensuring they are fully submerged.
7. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed at a gentle simmer for 20-25 minutes, watching them gradually expand and become pillowy.
8. Evaluate the broth’s seasoning, making subtle adjustments to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Chilling the matzo ball mixture helps create lighter, fluffier dumplings by allowing the matzo meal to fully absorb the liquid.
• For gluten-free options, substitute matzo meal with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Gently roll matzo balls with wet hands to prevent sticking and ensure uniform size, which helps them cook evenly in the broth.
• To prevent dense matzo balls, avoid overmixing the batter and handle the mixture with a light touch during shaping.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 125 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg