Herbed Matzo Ball Chicken Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €15.96 · €2.66/serving

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or chicken schmaltzEst. price €0.18–€0.35
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus moreEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepperEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1/4 cup seltzer waterEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 4 large eggs, lightly beatenEst. price €1.20–€2.40
• 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds)Est. price €7.00–€14.00
• 2 medium onions, peeled and halved through the rootEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 6 garlic cloves, peeledEst. price €0.15–€0.30
• 3 large carrots, peeled and halved crosswiseEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 bay leafEst. price €0.05–€0.15

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot, combine chicken, celery, carrots, onions, fennel, garlic, bay leaf, parsley with dill stems. Cover the ingredients with cold water by 1". Start by bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat before reducing it to low heat. Allow it to gently simmer with the lid partially covering the pot. Throughout cooking, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Cook until the chicken is extremely tender and easily comes off the bone; this should take approximately 1 1/2-2 hours.

2. 2

   While the soup is gently bubbling away, prepare the matzo balls by combining eggs, oil, matzo meal, seltzer water, dill, and 2 tsp. salt in a spacious bowl using a fork. Once mixed well, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

3. 3

   Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer in the water.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Matzo Ball Chicken Soup is a traditional Jewish dish often enjoyed during Passover and other Jewish holidays. The matzo balls, made with matzo meal, eggs, and schmaltz, are a staple in Jewish cuisine and symbolize the unleavened bread eaten during Passover. This dish is known for its comforting and nostalgic qualities,…

• Seasonal note

  Herbed Matzo Ball Chicken Soup is often enjoyed during the fall and winter months as a comforting and warming dish, perfect for colder weather. The fresh herbs like dill and parsley used in the recipe are typically abundant during the spring and summer seasons, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious option, providing a good source of protein from the chicken and eggs. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables and herbs, which support immune function, skin health, and bone strength. However, it is relatively high in fat and sodium, so moderation is key, especially for…