Grandma's Matzo Ball Soup: Classic Comfort Recipe (Print Version)
Classic Matzo Ball Soup, just like Grandma made. This comforting, traditional recipe features fluffy matzo balls in a rich, savory chicken broth.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 180 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 220 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Jewish
Dietary: Kosher, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden Broth Foundation
01 -
3 lbs whole chicken, cut into pieces (or a mix of bone-in breasts and thighs)
02 -
2 large carrots, roughly chopped
03 -
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
04 -
1 large yellow onion, quartered
05 -
1 bunch fresh dill, stems included
06 -
1 bunch fresh parsley, stems included
07 -
1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
08 -
1 tbsp kosher salt
09 -
16 cups water
→ Fluffy Matzo Ball Magic
10 -
1 cup matzo meal
11 -
4 large eggs
12 -
1/4 cup seltzer water (or chicken broth)
13 -
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or rendered chicken fat/schmaltz)
14 -
1 tsp kosher salt
15 -
1/4 tsp white pepper
→ Garden Fresh Garnish & Simmering Goodness
16 -
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
17 -
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
18 -
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
19 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 3 lbs whole chicken, 2 large carrots (roughly chopped), 2 celery stalks (roughly chopped), 1 large yellow onion (quartered), 1 bunch fresh dill (stems included), 1 bunch fresh parsley (stems included), 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 16 cups water in a large pot. This will be the foundation for Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup.
02 -
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2.5 hours. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. This slow simmer extracts maximum flavor, creating the rich broth essential for Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup.
03 -
Carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids. Shred chicken meat from bones for later use, if desired. Set aside the golden broth for your Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup.
04 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup matzo meal, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup seltzer water (or chicken broth), 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or rendered chicken fat/schmaltz), 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the matzo meal to fully hydrate.
05 -
Wet your hands and gently form the chilled matzo ball mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Bring a large pot of salted water or reserved chicken broth to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the matzo balls into the simmering liquid. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
06 -
To the strained broth, add 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds) and 2 celery stalks (sliced into 1/4-inch pieces). Simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the cooked matzo balls and shredded chicken (if using).
07 -
Ladle the hot Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped). Serve immediately and enjoy this classic, heartwarming dish that brings comfort with every spoonful.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra clear broth, skim any foam and excess fat during simmering. Chilling the broth overnight allows fat to solidify for easy removal.
02 -
Matzo balls can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container with a little broth for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the soup.
03 -
Feel free to customize the vegetables in the final soup; parsnips or leeks are wonderful additions. For richer matzo balls, use rendered chicken fat (schmaltz).
04 -
Serve this comforting soup with extra shredded chicken from the broth, if desired, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley alongside the dill for added color and flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large stockpot
02 -
Large mixing bowl
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Slotted spoon
05 -
Fine-mesh sieve
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 kcal
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 24 g