Best 5 Never Fail Knaidlach Matzo Balls Recipes

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Knaidlach, also known as matzo balls, are a classic Jewish dish that are often served in chicken soup. They are made with a mixture of matzo meal, eggs, and water, and are typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley. Knaidlach can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, frying, and baking. This article provides three different recipes for knaidlach: a traditional recipe, a gluten-free recipe, and a vegan recipe. All three recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you are sure to find a knaidlach recipe in this article that you will love.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

MATZO BALLS



Matzo Balls image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 55m

Yield 18 to 20 matzo balls

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 extra-large eggs, separated
1/2 cup good chicken stock
1/4 cup rendered chicken fat, melted
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for egg whites
1 cup matzo meal

Steps:

  • Whisk together the egg yolks, chicken stock, chicken fat, parsley, and salt. Stir in the matzo meal. In the bowl of an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they are stiff. Whisk them into the matzo mixture until it is smooth. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick.
  • Form balls the size of golf balls by shaping them with 2 spoons, rolling them with your hands, or scooping them with a small ice cream scoop. Drop them into simmering chicken stock and cook for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and puffed, turning once. Remove and serve hot in chicken soup.

NEVER-FAIL KNAIDLACH - MATZO BALLS



Never-Fail Knaidlach - Matzo balls image

I make them small and they cook up light and fluffy

Provided by Harlene LeVine

Categories     Chicken Soups

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c oil
1/4 c water
3/4 c matzo meal
1 dash(es) white pepper
1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

Steps:

  • 1. Beat eggs with salt and pepper. Add oil and water. Stir in matzo meal and parsley. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • 2. In a large pot, bring 4-5 quarts of salted water to boil. With wet or oily hands, form walnut-size balls and drop into boiling water. Cook for 25 minutes uncovered or partially covered.
  • 3. Remove with a slotted spoon.

FLUFFY MATZAH BALLS



Fluffy Matzah Balls image

If you like light, airy matzah balls, you'll like this recipe. It's my son David's favorite, especially when his grandmother makes the matzah balls.

Provided by Joan Nathan

Categories     Passover     Spring     Kosher

Yield Yield: about 12 large, soft matzah balls

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 large eggs
2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
1/4 cup seltzer, club soda, or chicken broth
1 cup matzah meal
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
N/A freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Mix the eggs well with a fork. Add the chicken fat or oil, soda water or chicken broth, matzah meal, and salt and pepper and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
  • 2. Dip your hands in cold water and make about 12 balls slightly smaller than Ping-Pong balls.
  • 3. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and place the matzah balls in the water. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes until soft.
  • Tip: I often make chicken soup and matzah balls ahead. After cooking the matzah balls I just place them in the warm soup, which I then freeze. The liquid keeps them fluffy. I defrost the soup, reheat, and serve. If you like them more al dente, use large eggs and cook a shorter time.

CHICKEN KNEIDLACH (CHICKEN MATZO BALLS)



Chicken Kneidlach (Chicken Matzo Balls) image

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

2 lbs ground chicken
4 egg whites
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup matzo meal
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon sugar
salt
white pepper

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.

KNAIDLACH (MATZO BALLS)



Knaidlach (Matzo Balls) image

These go with Chicken Soup I posted. Don't forgo the refigerated resting period that is in the recipe or you will get what my Father lovingly decribed my Mother's Knaidlach as "Bull-killer's"! They were so heavy!

Provided by Esther Hardman

Categories     Other Breads

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 large eggs
1/3 c schmaltz, recipe posted or use 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper or even better, white pepper
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/3 c matzo meal, can be found in market's kosher section

Steps:

  • 1. Crack eggs into a large bowl and beat with a fork to mix thoroughly. Beat in the schmaltz, salt, pepper and baking powder. Stir in matzo meal, then mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until completely blended and very stiff. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • 2. Fill a large pot 3/4 full of water and add 1 tablespoon salt, bring to a boil. Wet hands with cold water so the batter doesn't stick, shape a bit of mixture into balls the size of ping-pong ball. They will double in size when cooked. Gently place in boiling water, decrease heat so that water simmers briskly and cover pot. Cook for 25 minutes, don't remove lid. Remove balls from water and serve with the chicken soup.

Tips:

  • Use fresh matzo meal: Fresh matzo meal will produce lighter and fluffier knaidlach. If you don't have fresh matzo meal, you can make your own by grating matzo crackers in a food processor.
  • Use cold seltzer water: The carbonation in the seltzer water will help the knaidlach rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make the knaidlach tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Let the batter rest before cooking: Letting the batter rest for 15-20 minutes will allow the matzo meal to absorb the liquid and swell. This will help the knaidlach hold their shape while cooking.
  • Poach the knaidlach in simmering water: Boiling water will cause the knaidlach to break apart. Simmer the water gently to prevent the knaidlach from breaking apart.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding the pot will prevent the knaidlach from cooking evenly. Cook the knaidlach in batches if necessary.
  • Serve the knaidlach immediately: Knaidlach are best served immediately after they are cooked. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they are best when fresh.

Conclusion:

Knaidlach are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a soup, side dish, or appetizer. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect knaidlach every time.

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