Description
Grandma Judy’s Matzo Ball Soup is a comforting, traditional Jewish dish featuring light and fluffy matzo balls simmered in a rich homemade chicken broth with vegetables. Perfect for holidays or any time you need a warm bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup schmaltz (chicken fat) or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup seltzer water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 12 cups homemade or store-bought chicken stock
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, schmaltz or oil, seltzer, salt, and white pepper until well combined.
- Stir in the matzo meal until fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. With wet hands, form the matzo mixture into 1-inch balls and gently drop them into the boiling water. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
- In a separate large pot, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard the onion halves.
- Transfer the cooked matzo balls to the chicken soup. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh dill, and serve hot.
Notes
- Chilling the matzo mixture is essential for easier shaping and better texture.
- Seltzer makes the matzo balls lighter and fluffier.
- Use homemade chicken stock for the richest flavor.
- Matzo balls can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups with 2 matzo balls)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
