A matzo ball soup that hits all the marks, plus dumplings

Matzo Ball Soup (Photo: irina slutsky/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Matzo ball soup can be controversial to make, but there is no question that this version hits all the marks, delivering tender dumplings and a savory broth.

For matzo balls that were substantial but not too heavy or greasy we settled on a ratio of 1 cup matzo meal to 4 eggs and 5 tablespoons of water, plus a bit of chopped, cooked onion and minced dill.

For the soup, we turned to the classic mirepoix ingredients plus parsnip for a touch of sweetness. To deepen the broth’s chicken flavour, we added two whole chicken legs, which we removed after they cooked through. (The meat may be added back in if you like.)

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.

MAZO BALL SOUP

Servings: 6

Start to finish: 3 1/2 hours

Matzo Balls:

1/4 cup chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped fine

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon minced fresh dill

Salt and pepper

1 cup (4 ounces) matzo meal

Soup:

1 tablespoon chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

2 celery ribs, chopped

1 parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

Salt and pepper

8 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 pounds chicken leg quarters, trimmed

1 teaspoon minced fresh dill

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.)

Whisk eggs, 5 tablespoons water, dill, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into cooled onion. 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.)

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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Nutrition information per serving: 284 calories; 125 calories from fat; 14 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 155 mg cholesterol; 476 mg sodium; 30 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 10 g protein.