Knaidlach, also known as matzo balls, are a traditional Jewish dish that are often served in soup or broth. They are made from a mixture of matzo meal, eggs, and water, and are typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley. Knaidlach can be challenging to make, as they can easily become too dense or too dry. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make perfect knaidlach every time. In this article, we will provide you with a recipe for never-fail knaidlach, as well as some helpful tips and tricks for making them.
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MATZO BALLS
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 55m
Yield 18 to 20 matzo balls
Number Of Ingredients 6
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.
BEST MATZAH BALLS
These can be tricky to get the right consistency. After years of experimenting with the basic recipe, I found these to come out soft but not falling apart. If you like firm/hard-middle matzah balls, either reduce the seltzer or add 1/4 cup matzah meal.
Provided by Weekend Cook
Categories Side Dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk eggs and olive oil in a bowl until combined; stir both amounts of club soda and salt into egg mixture. Mix matzo meal into wet ingredients to form a workable dough; if mixture is too wet, stir in 1/4 cup more matzo meal. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Wet your hands and form matzo ball dough into walnut-size balls. Gently place matzo balls into boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer matzo balls until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 105.8 calories, Carbohydrate 10.2 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 6.4 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 98.5 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
KNAIDLACH
Provided by Mimi Sheraton
Yield Makes 10 to 12 large matzoh balls
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Beat the eggs lightly with cold water. Add the chicken fat and stir until the fat dissolves. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.
- Gradually beat in the matzoh meal, 2 tablespoons at a time, proceeding slowly as it thickens so you do not add too much. The mixture should be as thick as light mashed potatoes, and just a little soft and spongy. Add salt and pepper as needed. Chill for 5 to 7 hours.
- Half an hour before serving time, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add a handful of salt, as for pasta.
- With wet hands, or two tablespoons dipped intermittently in cold water, shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Drop gently into the boiling water, cover pot loosely, and let boil at a moderately brisk pace for about 25 minutes.
- When one ball tests done (cut it open and see if it is light and cooked all the way through), remove all carefully with a slotted spoon. Serve in hot chicken soup.
- Variation:
- To make fried matzoh balls, chill the cooked balls overnight. In the morning, cut into slices between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick and fry slowly in hot butter or margarine, turning so both sides become golden brown and the slices are thoroughly heated.
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 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 grinding matzo crackers in a food processor.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make the knaidlach tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the dough rest: Letting the dough rest for 30 minutes before cooking will help it to become more cohesive and less likely to fall apart.
- Use a large pot of boiling water: The knaidlach should have plenty of room to cook without overcrowding. If the pot is too small, the knaidlach will stick together and become mushy.
- Don't boil the knaidlach for too long: Knaidlach are done cooking when they float to the top of the pot. If you boil them for too long, they will become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the knaidlach immediately: Knaidlach are best served fresh out of the pot. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Knaidlach are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be served as a soup or stew, or they can be fried or baked. They are also a popular addition to holiday meals. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect knaidlach every time. So next time you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, give knaidlach a try.
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