As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm Homemade Matzo Ball Soup. The rich aroma of simmering chicken broth mingling with the fresh notes of dill and parsley wafts through the kitchen, instantly soothing any lingering stress from the day. I discovered this soul-warming recipe during a cozy family gathering, where laughter echoed and stories were shared over steaming bowls of homemade goodness.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a delightful blend of tender matzo balls and savory chicken, elevating your dinner table to something special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to indulge in a classic, this soup is versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! Join me in crafting a bowl of this nostalgic dish that promises to be a hit with everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the steps to create this heartwarming delight!
Why is Homemade Matzo Ball Soup so special?
Comforting, perfect for chilly evenings: This soup provides warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Rich flavors combine the wholesome taste of chicken with vibrant herbs, making it irresistible.
Easy to customize; whether you prefer more veggies or a different protein, it adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Lovingly made from scratch, it stands apart from store-bought options, connecting you with cherished memories.
Great for sharing; impress friends and family with a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table.
Elevate your next meal with this classic recipe, and if you’re also craving something sweet, don’t forget to check out my delicious dessert ideas!
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup Ingredients
For the Matzo Balls
• Matzo meal – the heart of your matzo balls, providing that signature chewy texture.
• Fresh dill – adds a fragrant, herby flavor that brightens the soup.
• Fresh parsley – enhances freshness and color, making your soup visually appealing.
• Salt – essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors in your matzo balls.
• Baking powder – gives the matzo balls a little lift, making them light and fluffy.
• Onion powder – adds a subtle, sweet depth of flavor without the fuss of fresh onions.
• Garlic powder – introduces a warm, savory note to the matzo balls.
• Pepper – a dash of spice to round out the taste.
• Eggs – binds the ingredients together and keeps the matzo balls tender.
• Schmaltz – this rich chicken fat infuses the matzo balls with a deep, delicious flavor.
• Chicken broth – adds moisture, helping the matzo ball mixture come together perfectly.
For the Soup
• Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts – tender meat that gives the broth a rich, savory quality.
• Olive oil – for sautéing, enhancing the flavors in your soup.
• Salt – a sprinkle for seasoning the chicken and vegetables as they cook.
• Pepper – a pinch to introduce warmth and depth.
• Chicken schmaltz – enhances the soup’s richness with its robust flavor.
• Carrots – add natural sweetness and texture to the hearty broth.
• Celery – contributes a crunchy texture and classic flavor base for soups.
• Onion – a must for any great soup, lending sweetness and body to the broth.
• Garlic cloves – fresh, minced garlic provides a punchy, aromatic flavor.
• Low sodium chicken broth – the foundation of your soup, keep it low sodium for better control over the flavor.
• Chicken bouillon or better than bouillon – intensifies the chicken flavor, making your soup more savory.
• Dried parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme – these herbs complement the chicken nicely and add depth of flavor.
• Bay leaves – infuse a subtle aroma, enhancing the savoriness of the broth.
Crafting your Homemade Matzo Ball Soup is a journey of flavors that can transport you to those cherished moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy every step of the process!
How to Make Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
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Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix matzo meal, dill, parsley, salt, baking powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper until well blended. This flavorful base is key for perfect matzo balls!
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Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, schmaltz, and chicken broth. Once combined, gently fold this mixture into the dry ingredients until a cohesive batter forms.
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Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the matzo ball mixture for 30 minutes. This step is important for firming up the batter, helping the balls hold their shape during cooking.
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Brown the chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a delicious depth to the broth.
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Sauté vegetables: Stir in salt, pepper, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
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Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, chicken bouillon, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer the chicken: Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and wonderfully tender. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the meat with two forks, then return it to the soup. This adds hearty bites of chicken throughout the dish.
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Shape matzo balls: With wet hands, shape the matzo ball mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Drop them gently into the simmering soup.
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Cook matzo balls: Cover the pot and let the matzo balls cook for an additional 20 minutes. They’ll become light and fluffy, soaking up all the lovely flavors of the broth.
Optional: Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Perfectly Fluffy Balls: Use chilled matzo ball mixture for shaping. This ensures they hold their shape and become light when cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give matzo balls space in the pot. If they touch, they can stick together and lose their fluffy texture.
Serve Fresh: Enjoy the soup soon after cooking for optimal flavor. Matzo balls can absorb broth over time, becoming less fluffy.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Add salt and pepper to your homemade matzo ball soup gradually, adjusting to your preferences.
Leftover Love: Store soup and matzo balls separately in the fridge to keep both fresh. This way, they won’t become mushy when reheated.
With these expert tips, your Homemade Matzo Ball Soup will be utterly delightful and full of comforting flavors!
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup Variations
Feel free to put your unique spin on this delightful dish and make it your own!
- Gluten-Free: Swap matzo meal with gluten-free matzo meal for a similar texture without the gluten.
- Vegan: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth to elevate the flavor and warmth of the soup.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or thyme, to personalize the herbal notes of your soup.
- Savory Enhancement: Stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for a deeper umami flavor, giving your soup a savory boost.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing zing.
- Creamy Addition: For a richer broth, incorporate a splash of cream or coconut milk just before serving, creating a luxurious finish.
Each of these variations invites creativity, ensuring your Homemade Matzo Ball Soup remains a loved family dish for everyone at the table!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Fridge: Store your Homemade Matzo Ball Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to keep flavors fresh.
Freezer: Freeze the soup without matzo balls for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the matzo balls are in the soup, add a splash of broth to refresh their texture.
Storage Tip: For best results, freeze matzo balls separately from the soup to maintain their fluffiness when reheated.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Matzo Ball Soup components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the matzo ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine all dry ingredients, mix in the wet ingredients, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. The soup itself can also be made up to 3 days ahead—just cook the chicken and vegetables, then let it cool before refrigerating. To maintain quality, store the matzo balls separately to prevent them from becoming mushy. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, drop in the chilled matzo balls, and simmer for 20 minutes until they’re fluffy and warmed through. Enjoy the comforting flavors with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Homemade Matzo Ball Soup?
Bring warmth and balance to your dinner with delightful side dishes that elevate this classic.
- Crispy Rolkies: These savory potato-filled pastries add a crunchy contrast to the soft matzo balls, enhancing the meal’s texture and flavor.
- Roasted Beet Salad: A refreshing, earthy salad complements the soup’s richness with its bright flavors. The vibrant colors also brighten your dinner table.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Their buttery, garlic-infused taste pairs beautifully with the warm broth, perfect for dipping into every delicious spoonful.
- Simple Green Salad: A mix of fresh greens with a zesty vinaigrette introduces a palate-cleansing element that enhances each bite of the soup.
- Dill Pickles: The tanginess and crunch of pickles offer a delightful contrast, brightening the heartiness of your matzo ball soup.
- Sweet Matzo Brei: For a fun twist, serve this sweet version of matzo as a dessert, offering a delicious end to your meal.
- Red Wine: A light, fruity red wine brings out the savory flavors in your soup, making for a delightful pairing that warms the heart.
- Apple Cake: Serve a slice of moist apple cake alongside for a comforting, sweet finish that mirrors the soup’s homey charm.
- Matzo Ball Appetizers: Mini matzo ball bites as starters can seamlessly tie the meal together, creating an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea served warm after the meal can enhance the overall experience, rounding off a cozy dinner perfectly.
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of matzo meal should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, use finely ground matzo meal, as it gives a delightful texture to the matzo balls. There are different brands available, so look for one that feels light and fluffy, not too coarse.
How long can I store my Homemade Matzo Ball Soup in the fridge?
You can store your soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the fridge so that it retains its lovely flavors.
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Can I freeze Homemade Matzo Ball Soup?
Yes, you can! I recommend freezing the soup without the matzo balls to maintain their texture. Let the soup cool, then pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving enough space for expansion. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove.
Why did my matzo balls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Very good question! Dense matzo balls can occur if the mixture is overworked or if they weren’t chilled long enough. Ensure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined and remember to refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Also, be careful with portion size—smaller balls generally cook more evenly!
What if I have allergies?
If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions, you can make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free matzo meal. For other allergies, you might consider alternatives; for instance, use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a vegetarian option and plant-based schmaltz if needed.
How do I store leftover matzo balls?
To keep leftover matzo balls fluffy, store them separately from the soup in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply drop them into some warm broth to rehydrate them. Enjoy your comfort food!
Comforting Homemade Matzo Ball Soup to Warm Your Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix matzo meal, dill, parsley, salt, baking powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, schmaltz, and chicken broth. Fold this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Refrigerate the matzo ball mixture for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on both sides.
- Stir in salt, pepper, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth, chicken bouillon, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
- Shape the matzo ball mixture into balls and drop them into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and let the matzo balls cook for an additional 20 minutes.
