Being a true comfort food, matzo ball soup tastes a lot like chicken noodle or chicken dumpling soup. In fact, this Jewish chicken soup is also affectionately known as Jewish Penicillin for its reputed ability to help you fight off a cold. It’s one of the
everyone should learn to cook.
How can I make matzo ball soup with schmaltz?
Schmaltz is rendered chicken fat, a product of times when home cooks were frugal and let very little go to waste. You can substitute an equal amount of schmaltz for the cooking oil in your matzo ball recipe.
Why is my matzo ball soup cloudy?
The broth can get cloudy when the matzo balls are cooked directly in the soup. If you want crystal clear soup, poach the matzo balls separately in salted water, and then add them to the soup after they are cooked through.
How long can matzo balls sit in soup?
To keep matzo balls from falling apart in this Jewish chicken soup, store them separately in a covered container rather than in the soup. Reheat them in the hot broth to serve. You can refrigerate matzo ball soup for up to 5 days, or freeze it. Many cooks freeze the matzo balls right in the soup. Others cook a large batch of matzo balls and freeze them separately for easy meal prep.
Can you overcook matzo balls?
Matzo balls usually cook in about 20 minutes in the broth. If you cook them longer, the balls will become denser. It’s a matter of preference—some people like heavy and dense matzo balls, known as "sinkers." Other people prefer light and fluffy "floaters," which are sometimes leavened with baking powder or stiffly beaten egg whites. Mixing also plays a role in matzo ball consistency, just like with dumplings or
quick bread. To make light, floating matzo balls, use a gentle touch and avoid overhanding the dough. If you crave dense sinkers, mix the dough more thoroughly.
Can you make matzo ball soup ahead of time?
You can make matzo ball soup ahead of time. Store the matzo balls separately to keep them from absorbing the broth and falling apart. The soup and matzo balls will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the soup and matzo balls separately and reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
When can you serve matzo ball soup?