Chicken kneidlach, also known as chicken matzo balls, are a delicious and traditional Jewish dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with a combination of ground chicken, matzo meal, eggs, and seasonings, these fluffy dumplings are often served in a flavorful chicken broth. They are a staple of many Jewish holiday meals, especially Passover, and can also be enjoyed as a comforting soup or a hearty appetizer. This article features two variations of the classic chicken kneidlach recipe: one made with schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) for a richer flavor, and another with vegetable oil for a lighter option. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and suggestions for serving. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating delicious and authentic chicken kneidlach that will impress your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHICKEN MATZO BALL STEW
Matzo balls spiced with ginger and nutmeg transform this hearty, earthy stew into a nourishing one-pot dinner, reminiscent of chicken and dumplings but much lighter and simpler to make. The process of chilling the broth and skimming the fat is the only part requiring much attention, but it also means that this meal can be made almost entirely ahead of time. You can use the skimmed fat to add more flavor to the matzo balls, but if you don't have the time, just use olive oil instead, or buy some schmaltz. If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, you can also use it here in place of the chicken, and skip Step 1. Just add enough stock so that the stew is the consistency you like.
Provided by Joan Nathan
Time 4h30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Start the stew: Set a large (5-quart) heavy pot over medium-high heat, add the oil and then the onion, celery and turnip, and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cover with 5 cups of water, or enough to almost cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and simmer for about 30 minutes, skimming any scum that rises. Cool, cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, but ideally overnight. Scrape off and reserve 2 tablespoons chicken fat from the surface of the soup for the matzo ball mix. Freeze any remaining fat for another use. (You can substitute 2 tablespoons vegetable oil if you prefer.)
- Meanwhile, make the matzo ball mix (at least 3 hours before serving): Stir together the eggs, schmaltz or oil, stock, matzo meal, nutmeg, ginger and parsley in a large bowl until well mixed. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours, or overnight.
- About 45 minutes before serving, finish the stew: Using your hands, break the chicken pieces into large-bite chunks, removing skin and bones as you go. Put the chicken back into the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the carrots and peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add heavy spoonfuls of the matzo ball mix to the top of the soup. (You should have about 18 balls.) Cover and simmer until the matzo balls are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Serve topped with fresh dill or parsley.
KITTENCAL'S LIGHT-AS-A-FEATHER MATZO BALLS
These are the *best* and fluffiest matzo balls on the planet, matzo meal can be found in the Jewish or deli section of any major super market chain or in a deli store, store any leftover matzo meal in the fridge or freezer ---these really expand when simmering in the broth so make sure that you have lots of broth in the pot before adding them in :)
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Southwest Asia (middle East)
Time 1h30m
Yield 22-25 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a medium-size bowl, whisk eggs and oil together with a small whisk or fork until well blended.
- In a medium bowl combine the matzo meal, baking powder salt, garlic powder and black pepper.
- Add in the egg/oil mixture.
- Mix lightly until combined (do not over mix).
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Using lightly greased hands shape the mixture into 1-inch round balls.
- Drop the balls into a large pot of simmering chicken broth (can use boiling water mixed with 2 tablespoons or more of chicken bouillon powder instead of the broth).
- Cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 30 minutes or until soft and tender.
- *NOTE* the balls will expand to almost double in size when cooking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 55.8, Fat 3.5, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 38.5, Sodium 43.1, Carbohydrate 4.5, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.1, Protein 1.6
CHICKEN KNEIDLACH (CHICKEN MATZO BALLS)
I grew up on matzo kneidlach, but have recently discovered chicken kneidlach. They make a great addition to chicken soup, and are yummy in a rich vegetable soup or grain soup as well. You can have soup as a main dish on a cold winter's day.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Chicken
Time 1h10m
Yield 18 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine the ground chicken, egg whites, egg yolks, matzo meal, cold water and sugar in a large bowl.
- The best way to get it all mixed up is to use your (clean) hands.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Fill a large pot with water (I use a 9 quart pot with about 8 quarts of water in it to cook all the kneidlach at once).
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- If you like, you can toss a bouillon cube into the pot for flavoring, or add any spices you might like.
- I usually toss in some paprika and salt.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge.
- Wet your hands with water.
- Form the knedilach mixture into 36 balls about 1 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Always make sure your hands are wet so the dough doesn't stick.
- Drop the kneidlach into the boiling water.
- Half cover the pot and turn the flame down so the kneidlach are simmering in the water.
- Let them simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Turn off the heat.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the kneidlach.
- They are now ready to be added to your soup.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your kneidlach.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the kneidlach tough.
- Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the matzo meal absorb the liquid and make the kneidlach more tender.
- Bring the soup to a boil before adding the kneidlach. This will help prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the kneidlach for 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done.
- Serve the kneidlach immediately with your favorite soup.
Conclusion:
Chicken kneidlach, also known as chicken matzo balls, are a delicious and hearty addition to any soup. They are easy to make and can be made with a variety of ingredients. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, chicken kneidlach are sure to be a hit.
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