Best 2 Throwdowns Matzo Ball Soup Recipes

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In the realm of comforting Jewish cuisine, matzo ball soup reigns supreme, a culinary symphony of flavors that warms the soul and delights the palate. This classic dish, often served during Passover and other Jewish holidays, is a harmonious blend of rich broth, tender matzo balls, and an array of vegetables, each ingredient contributing its unique charm to the overall experience.

Our culinary journey begins with a trio of matzo ball recipes, each offering a distinct take on this essential component of the soup. The classic matzo ball, made with a simple mixture of matzo meal, eggs, and water, forms the foundation of this beloved dish. For those seeking a lighter version, the matzo ball with schmaltz, rendered chicken fat, adds a layer of richness while reducing the density of the matzo balls. And for a more modern twist, the spinach matzo ball infuses the soup with a vibrant green hue and a subtle earthy flavor.

Accompanying the matzo balls is a symphony of vegetable-based broths, each contributing its own unique flavor profile. The classic chicken broth, a staple in many Jewish households, provides a rich and savory base for the soup. For a lighter option, the vegetable broth offers a vibrant medley of flavors from carrots, celery, and onions, while the flavorful turkey broth adds a touch of sophistication and depth.

Finally, no matzo ball soup would be complete without an assortment of vegetables to add texture and color. Carrots, celery, and onions form the holy trinity of vegetables, providing a foundation of flavor and crunch. For added sweetness, parsnips and sweet potatoes lend their natural sugars, while leeks and mushrooms contribute a savory earthiness.

With this comprehensive guide, you'll be equipped to create a matzo ball soup that meets your every desire, whether you prefer a classic rendition or a more modern interpretation. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and deeply connected to Jewish culinary heritage.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THROWDOWN'S MATZO BALL SOUP



Throwdown's Matzo Ball Soup image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 11h55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

6 tablespoons chicken fat
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
4 large eggs
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons seltzer water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup unsalted matzo meal
2 large yellow onions, quartered
3 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon white peppercorns
1 small bunch parsley
10 sprigs fresh thyme
1 (3-pound) chicken
3 lbs chicken bones, neck included
Water
2 jalapeno peppers, roasted and slit
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh dill leaves

Steps:

  • For the matzo balls:
  • Heat the chicken fat over medium heat in a small pan. Add the chives and cook for 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, add the eggs, dill, seltzer, sugar, and salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Add the matzo meal and the chicken fat/chive mixture and stir to combine. Cover well and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Form the matzo mixture into 8 equal size balls, about 1 3/4 ounces each, add to the water, reduce the heat to simmer, cover and cook until very tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the pot with the chicken stock and cook for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and serve.
  • For the chicken stock:
  • Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot and add enough cold water to cover by 2-inches. Bring to a boil, over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, skimming the scum from the stock with a ladle, every 15 minutes, for 3 hours. Strain into a large bowl and discard the solids.
  • Transfer to a large saucepan and cook until reduced by half. Add the roasted jalapenos for the last 10 minutes or of simmering, then remove. Season with salt, pepper and freshly chopped dill.

JOAN NATHAN'S MATZO BALL SOUP



Joan Nathan's Matzo Ball Soup image

For children (and arguably most adults), the most welcome Passover dish is chicken soup with matzo balls. My matzo balls, neither heavy as lead nor light as a feather, are al dente, infused with fresh ginger and nutmeg. I like to freeze them, and the soup, in advance.

Provided by Joan Nathan

Categories     appetizer

Time 4h15m

Yield About 15 matzo balls

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 large eggs
1/4 cup schmaltz (rendered chicken fat), coconut oil or vegetable oil (kosher for Passover)
1/4 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 cup matzo meal
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 to 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, dill or cilantro
1 teaspoon salt, more for cooking
Black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the eggs, schmaltz, stock, matzo meal, nutmeg, ginger and parsley. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Gently mix with a whisk or spoon. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours or overnight.
  • To shape and cook the matzo balls, fill a wide, deep pan with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. With wet hands, take some of the mix and mold it into the size and shape of a Ping-Pong ball. Gently drop it into the boiling water, repeating until all the mix is used.
  • Cover the pan, reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook matzo balls about 30 to 40 minutes for al dente, longer for light. If desired, the cooked matzo balls can be transferred to chicken or vegetable soup and served immediately. Alternatively, they may be placed on a baking sheet and frozen, then transferred to a freezer bag and kept frozen until a few hours before serving; reheat in chicken or vegetable soup or broth.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 67, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 60 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality matzo meal: Fresh, finely ground matzo meal will produce light and fluffy matzo balls. Avoid using matzo meal that has been sitting in your pantry for a long time, as it may have lost its flavor and texture.
  • Don't overmix the matzo ball batter: Overmixing will make the matzo balls tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Let the matzo balls rest before cooking: This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart in the soup.
  • Cook the matzo balls in a flavorful broth: The broth will add flavor to the matzo balls, so make sure it is well-seasoned. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth.
  • Don't crowd the matzo balls in the pot: Give them enough space so they can cook evenly. If you are making a large batch of matzo balls, cook them in batches.
  • Serve the matzo ball soup immediately: Matzo balls are best when they are fresh out of the pot. If you need to store the soup, let it cool completely before refrigerating. You can reheat the soup over low heat or in the microwave.

Conclusion:

Matzo ball soup is a classic Jewish dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but it is packed with flavor. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect matzo balls every time. So next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give matzo ball soup a try.

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