I’ve got a real treat for you today – homemade matzo ball soup! There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of this soup that hugs you back, and it brings me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The fragrance of the chicken broth simmering away on the stove used to fill the house and make everyone feel a little more at home. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soul!
Every time I make this dish, I’m taken back to those chilly evenings spent together, slurping up rich broth and fluffy matzo balls while my family shared stories. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for when you need a little extra comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to enjoy a delicious bowl of goodness, this homemade matzo ball soup never disappoints!
What’s in Homemade Matzo Ball Soup?
Now, let’s dive into what makes this soup so special. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that comforting flavor.
Whole Chicken: This is the star of the show! A 3-4 pound chicken will give you a rich, flavorful broth that forms the base of your soup.
Water: Just your simple H2O, but it’s crucial for creating our delicious broth. I usually use filtered water for the best taste.
Carrots: Sweet and vibrant, these add a lovely texture and color to the soup, not to mention a hint of sweetness.
Celery: Ah, the crunchy hero! It brings that classic soup flavor and aromatic touch that is simply irresistible.
Onion: Quartered, just like grandma used to do, it adds depth to the broth. Imagine the scent wafting through the air!
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves go a long way! Minced garlic adds the perfect zing that makes your taste buds dance.
Bay Leaf: This leaf just hangs out in the pot, quietly infusing the broth with its herbal aroma. Don’t forget to take it out afterward!
Dried Thyme: A pinch of this herb brings an earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Always adjust to suit your personal taste – go ahead and taste as you go!
Fresh Dill: I love to garnish my soup with fresh dill. It adds a burst of freshness that ties everything together nicely.
For the matzo balls, here’s what you’ll need:
Matzo Meal: This is what gives matzo balls their distinctive flavor and texture. Make sure to get a good quality matzo meal.
Large Eggs: The binder of all binders! Eggs give the matzo balls a fluffy texture when cooked.
Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture to the matzo balls – an important ingredient for that perfect consistency.
Chicken Broth: Using some of the broth from the soup keeps everything intertwined in flavor!
Salt and Baking Powder: Salt for flavor, of course, and baking powder helps the matzo balls puff up light and fluffy.
Is Homemade Matzo Ball Soup Good for You?
You might be asking yourself, “Is this healthy?” Well, here’s the scoop!
Chicken: A fantastic source of protein, plus it’s full of vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system – which is especially great when you’re feeling under the weather!
Veggies: The carrots and celery are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this soup an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet.
Matzo Meal: While it’s lower in nutrients than whole grains, it does provide some energy-boosting carbs.
Just a tiny note: while it is a comforting and wholesome meal, keep an eye on the salt – too much can sneak in there, especially when you season the broth. Remember, balance is key!
Ingredients
– For the Chicken Soup:
– 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
– 12 cups water
– 4 carrots, sliced
– 4 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 onion, quartered
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill, for garnish
– For the Matzo Balls:
– 1 cup matzo meal
– 4 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (from the soup)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional for added flavor)
This recipe serves about 6-8 hearty bowls of soup – perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Homemade Matzo Ball Soup?
Ready to make some magic? Here’s how you whip this up:
1. In a large pot, combine the whole chicken and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Make sure to skim off any foam that rises; it’s a must for a clear broth!
2. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, quartered onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and sprinkle some salt and pepper in. Reduce the heat and let it simmer away for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and roasts in its own flavors.
3. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the veggies and herbs, and return that beautiful clear broth to the pot. Keep it warm over low heat.
4. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bones (and don’t worry, you can totally do this with your hands!). Discard the bones and skin and set that tender shredded chicken aside.
5. Now, let’s make those matzo balls! In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, chicken broth, salt, and baking powder. Gently stir in the matzo meal until everything is nicely combined. Let this mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; patience is a virtue!
6. When you’re ready to cook those fluffy little clouds, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wet your hands, form the matzo ball mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter, and drop them into the boiling water. Cover the pot and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until they puff up and are cooked through.
7. To serve, add that gorgeous shredded chicken back into the warm broth, ladle it into bowls, and place 2-3 matzo balls in each. Don’t skimp on the fresh dill for garnish – it adds that final touch!
Enjoy your Homemade Matzo Ball Soup and allow that warmth to envelop you!
Serving Suggestions for Matzo Ball Bliss!
Before you go, here are a few tips to elevate this dish even more:
– Feel free to throw in some extra veggies, like diced potatoes or parsnips, for added flavor and health benefits.
– If you prefer a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes could add a delightful kick.
– And let’s not forget – this soup freezes beautifully! So make a big batch and stash some away for future cozy nights.
I hope you give this recipe a try! There’s nothing quite like a homemade bowl of matzo ball soup to warm your heart and soul. Let me know how it turns out and any personal touches you add – I can’t wait to hear about your delicious journey!
