Best 9 Test Kitchens Favorite Matzo Ball Soup Recipes

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In the realm of Jewish cuisine, few dishes embody comfort and tradition quite like matzo ball soup. With its savory broth, fluffy matzo balls, and medley of vegetables, this classic soup has long been a staple of Ashkenazi Jewish households. Whether you're seeking a nourishing meal on a cold winter day or a nostalgic taste of your heritage, creating the perfect matzo ball soup can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, home cooks! In this culinary adventure, we embark on a journey to discover the secrets behind the "test kitchens favorite matzo ball soup". Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we unveil a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will elevate this beloved dish to new heights.

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

AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN MATZO BALL SOUP RECIPE - (3.8/5)



America's Test Kitchen Matzo Ball Soup Recipe - (3.8/5) image

Provided by DreiFromBK

Number Of Ingredients 17

Matzo Balls
1/4cup1/4 cup chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil
11 onion, chopped fine
4large4 large eggs
1teaspoon1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
Salt and pepper
1cup1 cup (4 ounces) matzo meal
Soup
1tablespoon1 tablespoon chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil
11 onion, chopped
22 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
22 celery ribs, chopped
11 parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
Salt and pepper
8cups8 cups chicken broth
1 1/2pounds1 1/2 pounds chicken leg quarters, trimmed
1teaspoon1 teaspoon minced fresh dill

Steps:

  • Serves 6 Chicken fat, or schmaltz, is available in the refrigerator or freezer section of most supermarkets. Note that the matzo batter needs to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before shaping. Ingredients 1. FOR THE MATZO BALLS: Heat chicken fat in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until light golden brown and softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer onion to large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. (Do not clean pot.) 2. Whisk eggs, 5 tablespoons water, dill, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into cooled onion mixture. Fold in matzo meal until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours. (Batter will thicken as it sits.) 3. Bring 4 quarts water and 2 tablespoons salt to boil in now-empty Dutch oven. Divide batter into 12 portions (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and place on greased plate. Roll portions into smooth balls between your wet hands and return to plate. Transfer matzo balls to boiling water, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender and cooked through, about 30 minutes. 4. Using slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to colander and drain briefly. Transfer balls to clean plate and let cool to firm up, about 10 minutes. Discard cooking water. (Do not clean pot.) 5. FOR THE SOUP: Meanwhile, heat chicken fat in large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, covered, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add broth, chicken, and dill and bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until chicken is tender, 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer chicken to plate. (Chicken can be used for soup or reserved for another use. If adding to soup, shred with 2 forks into bite-size pieces; discard skin and bones.) Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Transfer soup to now-empty Dutch oven and bring to simmer over medium heat. Carefully transfer matzo balls to hot soup (along with shredded chicken, if using). Cover and cook until matzo balls are heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve. TO MAKE AHEAD: Soup and matzo balls can be fully cooked, cooled, and refrigerated separately in covered containers for up to 2 days. To serve, return soup to simmer over medium heat, add matzo balls, and cook until heated through, about 7 minutes.

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE MATZO BALL SOUP



Test Kitchen's Favorite Matzo Ball Soup image

There are no shortcuts in this classic Passover recipe: The soup, perfect for lunch or dinner, calls for homemade broth, chicken feet, and hours of simmering. But the finished soup, starring one big, fluffy dumpling, is a straight shot to the soul.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Soup Recipes

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 large eggs
1 cup matzo meal
1/4 cup seltzer
1/4 cup schmaltz (reserved from broth), melted
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon celery seed, optional
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley (or a combination), plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Enriched Chicken Broth
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds

Steps:

  • Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in matzo meal, seltzer, schmaltz, ginger, celery seed, herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until combined (mixture will be loose).
  • Cover and refrigerate until mixture stiffens slightly, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day. Place 2 cups broth in a wide pot. Add water to fill pot to 2 1/2 inches. Bring to a boil; season with 1 tablespoon salt. With dampened hands (to prevent sticking), divide chilled matzo mixture into 6 equal portions. Form each into a sphere.
  • Gently place balls in pot, one at a time. Cover and reduce heat to low to maintain a simmer (do not let boil). Cook, turning them a few times, until puffed and cooked through to center, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring remaining 10 cups broth and carrots to a boil in a separate pot. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until carrots are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt. Transfer matzo balls to serving bowls. Divide broth and carrots evenly among them; top with more herbs. Serve immediately.

MATZO BALL SOUP



Matzo Ball Soup image

"This dish is based on my grandmother's recipe. It was the first thing I ever learned to cook."

Provided by Andrew Zimmern

Time 3h10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 to 3 quarts low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 3-pound chicken, trussed
1 1/4 cups matzo meal
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
5 large eggs (3 separated)
1/4 cup melted chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil
1/4 cup minced onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for forming the matzo balls
4 large sprigs dill
4 large sprigs parsley
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 pound rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the stock.
  • In a large pot, bring 2 quarts chicken stock to a simmer. Add the chicken and return just to a simmer. Cover the chicken with a small heatproof plate to keep it submerged (add more stock if needed). Cover the pot and reduce the heat; gently simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove the chicken and let cool slightly, then roughly cut up the meat and set aside; discard the skin and bones. Strain the stock into another large pot.
  • Skim the fat off the surface of the stock using a spoon.
  • Make the batter.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the matzo meal, granulated garlic, baking powder, baking soda, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk the 2 whole eggs with the 3 yolks, schmaltz and minced onion. In a separate clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Stir the schmaltz mixture into the dry ingredients, then stir in one-third of the beaten egg whites until incorporated. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain.
  • Form the matzo balls.
  • Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon water. Using the oil-and-water mixture to keep your hands moist, roll scoops of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into balls, handling them as gently as possible (makes 8 to 12). Arrange on the baking sheet and refrigerate 20 minutes so the outsides dry slightly.
  • Make the soup.
  • Tie the dill and parsley sprigs together with kitchen string. Return the chicken stock to a simmer. Add the carrot, celery, diced onion, rutabaga and herb bundle; season with salt and pepper. Return to a simmer and add the matzo balls. Cover and cook over moderate heat, turning the matzo balls a few times, until they are plump and cooked through, about 25 minutes. Stir the chicken into the soup and cook until just warmed through. Remove the herb bundle and season the soup with salt and pepper.

SLOW-COOKER MATZO BALL SOUP RECIPE BY TASTY



Slow-Cooker Matzo Ball Soup Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: chicken breast, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, salt, pepper, chicken stock, water, bay leaf, fresh thyme, matzo meal, baking powder, salt, pepper, water, vegetable oil, eggs, fresh dill

Provided by Hitomi Aihara

Categories     Dinner

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 g chicken breast
1 cup onion, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup matzo meal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup water
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon fresh dill, to taste, optional

Steps:

  • Make the soup: Add the chicken breasts, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, salt, pepper, chicken stock, water, bay leaf, and thyme to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • Make the matzo balls: In a large bowl, combine the matzo meal, baking powder, salt, pepper, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the matzo meal absorb the liquid.
  • Form the matzo mixture into balls and set aside at room temperature or in the fridge until the soup is done.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the soup, shred with 2 forks, then return to the slow cooker.
  • Add the matzo balls to the soup and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Ladle the soup and matzo balls into bowls and garnish with fresh dill.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 944 calories, Carbohydrate 83 grams, Fat 60 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 11 grams, Sugar 12 grams

MATZO BALL SOUP



Matzo Ball Soup image

Classic recipe for the Jewish holiday soup.

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Soup/Stew     Chicken     Passover     Kid-Friendly     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

Chicken stock:
1 4-5 pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 pound chicken wings, necks, and/or backs
2 large yellow onions, unpeeled, quartered
6 celery stalks, cut into 1" pieces
4 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1" pieces
1 large parsnip, peeled, cut into 1" pieces
1 large shallot, quartered
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
Matzo ball mixture:
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
3/4 cup matzo meal
1/4 cup schmaltz (chicken fat), melted
3 tablespoons club soda
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
Assembly:
2 small carrots, peeled, sliced 1/4" thick on a diagonal
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
Coarsely ground fresh black pepper

Steps:

  • For chicken stock:
  • Bring all ingredients and 12 cups cold water to a boil in a very large (at least 12-quarts) stockpot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chicken breasts are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Transfer breasts to a plate (remaining chicken parts are strictly for stock). Let breasts cool slightly, then remove meat and return bones to stock. Shred meat. Let cool, tightly wrap, and chill.
  • Continue to simmer stock, skimming surface occasionally, until reduced by one-third, about 2 hours. Strain chicken stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan (or airtight container, if not using right away); discard solids. You should have about 8 cups.
  • DO AHEAD: Stock can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Keep reserved chicken meat chilled.
  • For matzo ball mixture:
  • Mix eggs, matzo meal, schmaltz, club soda, and salt in a medium bowl (mixture will resemble wet sand; it will firm up as it rests). Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
  • DO AHEAD: Mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
  • For assembly:
  • Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Add carrots; season with salt. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, add reserved breast meat, and cover. Set soup aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Scoop out 2-tablespoonful portions matzo ball mixture and, using wet hands, gently roll into balls.
  • Add matzo balls to water and reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer (too much bouncing around will break them up). Cover pot and cook matzo balls until cooked through and starting to sink, 20-25 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to bowls. Ladle soup over, top with dill, and season with pepper.

MATZO BALL SOUP



Matzo Ball Soup image

This traditional matzo ball soup recipe is worth the extra effort. If you prefer, you can add egg noodles instead of matzo balls. -Julia Sherman, New Market, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 2h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1-3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 pound carrots, coarsely chopped
6 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
MATZO BALLS:
2 eggs
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 package (5 ounces) matzo ball mix
1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a large soup kettle; add the broth, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 55-65 minutes or until meat is tender, skimming the surface as foam rises., Remove chicken and set aside until cool enough to handle. Strain broth and skim fat. Return broth to the kettle; add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, pepper and remaining salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk eggs and oil. Add matzo ball mix and onion; toss with a fork until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes., Remove and discard skin and bones from chicken; chop chicken and add to soup. Stir in parsley. Bring to a boil. Drop 12 rounded teaspoonfuls of matzo ball dough into boiling soup. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a matzo ball comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering)., With a slotted spoon, carefully remove matzo balls and place one in each soup bowl. Ladle soup over top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 509mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FLAVORFUL MATZO BALL SOUP



Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup image

A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 2h25m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 19

10 cups water
12 garlic cloves, peeled
3 medium carrots, cut into chunks
3 small turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium leek (white portion only), sliced
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
MATZO BALLS:
3 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
3 tablespoons rendered chicken fat
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 cup matzo meal
8 cups water

Steps:

  • For broth, in a stockpot, combine the first 12 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the egg yolks on high speed for 2 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Add the water, chicken fat and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form; fold into yolk mixture. Fold in matzo meal. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until thickened., In another stockpot, bring water to a boil; add remaining salt. Drop eight rounded tablespoonfuls of matzo ball dough into boiling water. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a matzo ball comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering). , Strain broth, discarding vegetables and seasonings. Carefully remove matzo balls from water with a slotted spoon; place one matzo ball in each soup bowl. Add broth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 322mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ROTH FAMILY MATZO BALL SOUP RECIPE BY TASTY



Roth Family Matzo Ball Soup Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: canola oil, medium yellow onion, celery stalk, garlic, shredded carrot, low-sodium chicken broth, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried dill, dried chive, dried parsley, matzo balls

Provided by Rie McClenny

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup celery stalk, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 cup shredded carrot
3 qt low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon dried chive
½ teaspoon dried parsley
20 matzo balls

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, celery, and garlic and sauté until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, until all of the vegetables are heated through.
  • Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dill, chives, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
  • When ready to serve, add the matzo balls to the simmering soup and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Ladle into bowls.
  • Enjoy!

TRICOLOR MATZO BALL SOUP



Tricolor Matzo Ball Soup image

_**Editor's note:** Susie Fishbein's signature Tricolor Matzo Ball Soup is a "fun, funky twist" on a very traditional dish. The combination of spinach, tomato, and turmeric matzo balls is unexpected and makes for a visually striking presentation._ Meat or Parve Gebrokts

Provided by Susie Fishbein

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

Spinach Matzo Balls
Tomato Matzo Balls
Turmeric Matzo Balls

Steps:

  • Prepare Spinach Matzo Balls , Tomato Matzo Balls , and Turmeric Matzo Balls . Include one of each flavor of matzo ball per serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality matzo meal for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overmix the matzo ball batter, as this will make the matzo balls tough.
  • Allow the matzo balls to rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking, so that they can absorb the flavors of the soup.
  • Cook the matzo balls in a large pot of boiling water, and do not overcrowd the pot.
  • Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper, and add additional herbs and spices, such as dill, parsley, or garlic powder, as desired.
  • Serve the matzo ball soup hot, with a side of crackers or bread.

Conclusion:

Matzo ball soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily make this classic Jewish soup and enjoy its warm and flavorful goodness.

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