Traditional Matzo Balls in 8 Easy Steps

Matzo Balls

Traditional Matzo Balls for Chicken Soup
Matzo Balls
A timeless classic that warms both body and soul. Delight in fluffy matzo balls gently simmered in a fragrant chicken soup, infused with a hint of garlic and onion. Each spoonful brings comfort, evoking memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions.

Servings4
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Refrigerate30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
TEMPSimmer
CourseAppetizer
CuisineJewish

Per Serving

Calories
80kcal
Fat
4g
Protein
2g
Carbs
8g
Sodium
400mg
Fiber
0.5g

Ingredients

  • 240 ml 1 cup matzo meal
  • 4 large eggs
  • 60 ml 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 60 ml 1/4 cup seltzer water
  • 5 g 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1.25 g 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.25 g 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1.25 g 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1.9 litres 8 cups chicken soup
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the matzo meal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and seltzer water until well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
  • In a large pot, bring the chicken soup to a gentle simmer.
  • With wet hands, form the dough into walnut-sized balls and drop them into the simmering soup.
  • Cover the pot and let the matzo balls cook for about 25-30 minutes until they are firm and fluffy.
  • Serve the matzo ball soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Matzo Balls: It’s History, Traditions, and Alternative Ingredients

Matzo balls, also known as matzah balls, represent not just a culinary delight but a profound connection to history and culture. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll uncover the origins of matzo balls, their cultural significance, cooking methods, and smart storage solutions. We’ll also venture into alternative ingredients.

The origins of Matzo Balls

Matzo balls have their roots deeply embedded in Jewish culinary tradition. The unleavened bread symbolising the hurriedly prepared food of the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. During Passover, this matzah transforms into the delightful dumplings known as matzo balls.

A Soup Companion

Matzo ball soup, often referred to as “Jewish comfort food,” is the most renowned way to relish these delectable dumplings. It involves gently simmering them in a flavourful chicken soup, resulting in a comforting and aromatic dish. This soup is a mainstay at Jewish celebrations and familial gatherings.

Served with Lokshen

Traditionally, “lokshen,” or thin egg noodles, take center stage, imparting a delicate texture and a rich flavour to the soup. These noodles, created from a blend of eggs and wheat flour, possess the remarkable ability to absorb the savoury essence of the soup while retaining their pleasing tenderness. Through the gentle simmering process, “lokshen” become a vessel for the amalgamation of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices, forming a harmonious blend of tastes that makes each spoonful a comforting delight.

In Jewish cuisine, these noodles have a pivotal role beyond sustenance; they serve as a canvas that complements the tender chicken chunks and subtle seasonings, and the Matzo balls contributing to the beloved tradition of a soul-soothing and nourishing Jewish Chicken Soup.

Keeping Traditions Alive

Beyond their exquisite taste, they are repositories of tradition and heritage. Countless families have cherished, time-honoured matzo ball recipes, lovingly handed down through generations. The preparation is a treasured ritual, where techniques and cherished family anecdotes are joyfully exchanged.

Expert Tips for Storage

Knowing how to store matzo balls is essential for planning ahead or dealing with leftovers.

Uncooked:

To store them uncooked, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, simply drop the frozen matzo balls into simmering soup, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Cooked:

To store them cooked, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat by simmering them in hot soup until thoroughly warmed.

Exploring Innovative Ingredients

Matzo balls offer endless adaptability, inviting culinary experimentation. Consider these alternative ingredients:

  1. Vegan: Swap eggs for aquafaba (chickpea brine) and use vegetable oil for equally light and fluffy results, catering to plant-based preferences.
  2. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free matzo meal or almond flour to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities, without compromising taste and texture.
  3. Herb-Infused: Elevate the flavour by adding finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the dough, introducing a burst of freshness.
  4. Spiced: Infuse unique spices by adding a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or ground cumin, creating an exciting twist on the classic.
  5. Sweet: Indulge your sweet tooth by incorporating a touch of sugar and cinnamon into the dough. Serve them with honey or fruit compote for a delectable dessert rendition.

In conclusion, matzo balls, or matzah balls, embody not only great taste, but also tradition, history, and the warmth of shared meals. Whether savoured in classic chicken soup or experimented with using alternative ingredients, matzo balls remain a comforting and versatile dish, uniting people through the joy of eating.

Try the Matzo Balls in our Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe

Wikipedia: Matzah Balls

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