Hearty Jewish Chicken Soup with Fluffy Matzo Balls
Warm your soul with this hearty Jewish Chicken Soup, a beloved classic that combines flavorful chunks of vegetables and tender chicken in homemade broth, accompanied by light and fluffy matzo balls. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Seasoned with fresh dill and garnished with parsley, each bowl is a taste of tradition that brings everyone together. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfying texture of matzo balls as they soak up the delicious broth.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
2 (whisked)
large egg white
1 (whisked)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (added to egg mixture)
matzo meal
3/4 cup (whisked into egg mixture)
oil
1 tablespoon (added to egg mixture)
homemade chicken broth
8 cups (brought to a boil)
parsnips
2 (peeled and chopped)
large carrot
1 (peeled and chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
broccoli florets
1 cup (added to soup)
mushroom
1 cup (sliced)
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
parsley
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, egg white, and salt until well combined. Gradually whisk in the matzo meal, oil, and 3 tablespoons of cold water until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
2
Cover the matzo mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow it to firm up.
3
In a large pot, bring the homemade chicken broth to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the chopped parsnips, carrots, and onions, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4
While waiting for the vegetables to cook, remove the chilled matzo mixture from the fridge. With wet hands, gently roll the mixture into level teaspoon-sized balls, taking care not to compress them too much. Drop the matzo balls carefully into the simmering broth as you form them.
5
Once all the matzo balls are added, cover the pot with a lid and let them cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to ensure the broth remains at a rapid simmer, which is crucial for the matzo balls to rise properly.
6
After 15 minutes, uncover the pot and add the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Jewish Chicken Soup with Fluffy Matzo Balls?
This is a beloved classic comfort dish featuring flavorful vegetables, tender chicken, and light, fluffy matzo balls in a homemade broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings.
How do I make the matzo balls fluffy?
To ensure fluffiness, refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour, do not compress the balls too tightly when rolling, and keep the lid closed during the entire 15-minute cooking process.
How long should I refrigerate the matzo mixture?
The mixture needs to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, but it can also be left overnight to firm up.
What are the essential ingredients for the matzo balls?
The matzo balls require large eggs, an egg white, salt, matzo meal, oil, and cold water.
What type of broth is best for this soup?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
Which vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes parsnips, carrots, onions, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms.
When do I add the parsnips and carrots?
Add the parsnips, carrots, and onions to the broth once it reaches a vigorous boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
How do I prevent the matzo mixture from sticking to my hands?
Use wet hands when rolling the chilled matzo mixture into balls to prevent sticking.
What size should the matzo balls be?
The mixture should be rolled into level teaspoon-sized balls.
Why shouldn't I lift the lid while the matzo balls cook?
Lifting the lid can disrupt the rapid simmer and steam needed for the matzo balls to rise and become fluffy.
How long do the matzo balls take to cook?
The matzo balls should cook undisturbed in the simmering broth for 15 minutes.
When should the broccoli and mushrooms be added?
Add the broccoli and mushrooms after the matzo balls have finished their 15-minute cooking period.
How long do the final vegetables need to simmer?
The broccoli and mushrooms should simmer for only 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
The soup is best garnished with freshly chopped dill or parsley.
How much matzo meal is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of matzo meal.
Do I need to peel the parsnips?
Yes, the parsnips should be peeled and chopped before being added to the soup.
Is there oil in the matzo ball recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of oil is whisked into the egg mixture for the matzo balls.
How many eggs are used in total?
The recipe uses 2 large eggs and 1 additional large egg white.
Is this a traditional Jewish dish?
Yes, it is a classic Jewish cuisine recipe, often referred to as a taste of tradition.
How much broccoli is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of broccoli florets.
How much mushroom is included?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sliced mushrooms.
What makes the broth hearty?
The combination of homemade chicken broth, root vegetables like parsnips and carrots, and mushrooms creates a rich, hearty flavor.
Can I use water instead of broth?
While you can use water, chicken broth provides the essential deep flavor that defines this soup.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being added to the pot.
How much salt is added to the matzo balls?
One-half teaspoon of salt is whisked into the egg mixture.
Is this soup suitable for a cozy dinner?
Yes, its comforting and warm nature makes it perfect for a cozy dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this chicken soup and matzo ball recipe.
Should the matzo mixture be smooth?
Yes, you should whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous before refrigerating.
How much water goes into the matzo ball mixture?
Three tablespoons of cold water are whisked into the matzo ball dough.