Name: Mini Matzah Ball Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 large Eggs (whisked); 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil; 1/4 cup Seltzer, club soda, or sparkling water; 1 cup Matzah meal; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 6 cups Chicken stock; 1 large Carrot (diced); 1 Celery stalk (diced); Dill (optional for topping)

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Growing up, Mini Matzah Ball Soup was a staple in our household, especially during the chilly winter months. I remember the comforting aroma that filled the kitchen as my grandmother prepared this delicious dish. The small, fluffy matzah balls, floating in a warm, flavorful broth, always felt like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether we were gathered around the dinner table for a family meal or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this soup was a constant source of joy and warmth. It wasn’t just about the taste; it was about the love and tradition that went into making it. Today, I want to share with you my cherished recipe for Mini Matzah Ball Soup, a dish that brings back fond memories and is perfect for creating new ones.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
12 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Large Pot, Saucepan, Cutting Board, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What We Adore About This Mini Matzah Ball Soup

1. Comfort Food at Its Best

When it comes to comfort food, Mini Matzah Ball Soup reigns supreme. There’s something uniquely soothing about the combination of soft matzah balls and savory broth. This soup warms the soul and makes everything feel right in the world. I often find myself reaching for a bowl when I need a pick-me-up or simply want to indulge in something heartwarming.

2. A Family Tradition

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and each spoonful takes me back to my childhood. Sharing this soup with loved ones during holidays or gatherings creates lasting memories and strengthens our bonds. It’s a dish that brings us together, no matter how far apart we may live.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

What I love most about Mini Matzah Ball Soup is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients like eggs, matzah meal, and chicken stock, you can create a dish that’s profoundly satisfying. The flavors meld beautifully, and the dill adds a fresh touch that elevates the dish.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

This soup isn’t just for winter or holidays; it’s a versatile dish that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, Mini Matzah Ball Soup is always a hit. It’s rich, fulfilling, and can be customized to suit any palate.

5. Healthier Comfort

Unlike some heavier comfort foods, this soup is relatively light while still being filling. The ingredients offer a good balance of nutrition, making it a great choice for those who want to indulge without the guilt. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet.

6. A Blank Canvas

The beauty of Mini Matzah Ball Soup is that it can be easily adapted. You can toss in your favorite vegetables or add more spices to create your own twist. This flexibility allows everyone to make it their own, ensuring that each bowl is packed with love and individuality.

Recipe Ingredients for Mini Matzah Ball Soup

Creating the perfect Mini Matzah Ball Soup relies heavily on the quality and combination of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so satisfying. The star of the show, of course, is the matzah meal, which forms the base for those fluffy matzah balls. From the wholesome eggs to the aromatic chicken stock, every ingredient contributes to a heartwarming experience.

4 large eggs, whisked – Binding the matzah balls together, making them fluffy and sturdy.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness to the matzah balls.
1/4 cup seltzer, club soda, or sparkling water – The secret to light and airy matzah balls; the bubbles work wonders.
1 cup matzah meal – The foundation of your matzah balls, giving them that classic texture.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
6 cups chicken stock – The flavorful base of the soup that brings everything together.
1 large carrot, diced – Adds sweetness and color to the broth.
1 celery stalk, diced – A classic aromatic that contributes depth to the flavor.
Fresh dill (optional for topping) – A fresh herb that brightens the dish with its flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Mini Matzah Ball Soup

Making Mini Matzah Ball Soup is a delightful experience that brings the kitchen to life with warm aromas. Follow these steps for a flavorful bowl of comfort. You’ll want to relish every moment, from mixing the ingredients to serving the finished soup.

First, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients: whisked eggs, vegetable oil, seltzer, matzah meal, and kosher salt. Mix them well until fully incorporated. This combination is key to achieving soft, fluffy matzah balls.
After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for about one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the matzah meal to absorb moisture, ensuring a tender texture.
Once chilled, wet your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop about one teaspoon of the matzah mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into balls. You should have about 10 to 12 matzah balls.
Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once boiling, gently drop the matzah balls into the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let them cook for about 15 minutes. They should swell and become soft and fluffy.
While the matzah balls are cooking, take another pot and heat the chicken stock over medium heat. Add the diced carrot and celery to the stock. Allow the vegetables to cook until tender, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. This step enriches the broth with flavor and nutrients.
Once the vegetables are tender and the matzah balls are ready, carefully add the cooked matzah balls into the pot of chicken stock. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finally, taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want to add a touch of brightness, sprinkle some fresh dill on top before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each one has a few matzah balls and plenty of vegetables.
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors. Whether it’s a chilly night or a family gathering, this Mini Matzah Ball Soup will undoubtedly warm your heart and make you feel at home.

Things Worth Knowing

Chill the Mixture: Allowing the matzah mixture to chill improves the texture of the matzah balls.
Simmer Gently: Always reduce the heat when cooking matzah balls to ensure they remain tender and do not become dense.
Use Quality Stock: The flavor of the chicken stock significantly impacts the overall taste of the soup; homemade stock is highly recommended.
Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or corn for a heartier soup.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about Mini Matzah Ball Soup is how adaptable it is! Here are some great ways to put your personal touch on this comforting recipe:

Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like parsley or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Veggie Additions: Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth.
Broth Choices: Try using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
Garnish: Top your soup with crispy onions or croutons for added texture.
Serving Style: Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.

Perfect Matches for Mini Matzah Ball Soup

Side Salad: Pair your soup with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a light meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or bagels to soak up the delicious broth.
Occasions: This soup is perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, adding warmth to any occasion.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the matzah balls and broth separately; just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Seasonal Pairings: This soup is especially comforting during the colder months, providing a warm embrace on chilly days.

FAQ

Matzah balls are primarily made from matzah meal, which is ground unleavened bread. In addition to matzah meal, you’ll also find ingredients like eggs, vegetable oil, and water or seltzer. The eggs help bind the mixture together, while the oil adds richness. Some recipes also include baking powder or spices for extra flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a dough that is rolled into balls before being cooked in broth, resulting in soft, fluffy dumplings.

Leftover matzah ball soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the texture of the matzah balls and the flavor of the broth. If you want to enjoy the soup later, consider freezing it. However, it’s recommended to freeze the matzah balls and broth separately to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a pot.

Yes, you can definitely make matzah balls ahead of time! After rolling them into balls, you can freeze them uncooked. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply drop the frozen matzah balls into boiling water and cook them as directed in your recipe. This makes it easy to prepare a comforting bowl of matzah ball soup quickly.

While matzah balls and dumplings both serve as hearty additions to soups, they differ in their ingredients and texture. Matzah balls are made primarily from matzah meal, eggs, and oil, giving them a unique, slightly denser texture compared to traditional dumplings, which might be made from flour, baking powder, and various liquids. Dumplings can vary widely in flavor and texture based on the recipe, while matzah balls are distinctly tied to Jewish culinary traditions. Both provide a comforting bite in soups, but with their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

In summary, Mini Matzah Ball Soup is a comforting dish that carries tradition and warmth in every bowl. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to create memories and bring loved ones together. I encourage you to try making this delightful soup at home. You’ll find that each spoonful is not only nourishing but also filled with love and joy. Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors that come together in this heartwarming dish.