The Best Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
We've tested every trick in the book to figure out exactly how to make the perfect matzo balls—whatever that means to you.
Like 'em light and tender? Or dense as rocks? This recipe will deliver either result, and anything in between. [Photographs: Daniel Gritzer unless otherwise noted]
Some people like sinkers, some people like floaters. Here at Serious Eats, we're equal opportunity matzo-ballers, so we're giving a recipe that lets you choose the matzo balls of your dreams. Best part, it's ridiculously easy.
Our preference here at Serious Eats is to use seltzer with either no baking powder or no more than 1/8 teaspoon per batch, which is what the recipe below calls for, but if you want a different style, consult the note below to learn how to modify the recipe to your liking.
Why It Works
- Poaching in chicken broth instead of water produces the most flavor-packed matzo balls; using a separate broth for poaching and serving ensures a serving broth that isn't cloudy.
- We give you the choice: Using schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) produces the most flavorful matzo balls, while vegetable or canola oil offer convenience.
- Optional seltzer helps to aerate the matzo balls so that they're light and tender, while optional baking powder allows you to make insanely light and fluffy ones.
Read more: Myth Testing: The Secrets of the Best Matzo Balls
- Yield:Serves 4
- Active time: 25 minutes
- Total time:2 hours
- Rated:
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup seltzer or water (see note)
- 1/4 cup Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) or neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil (see note)
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1/8 to 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional; see note)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 quarts good-quality homemade chicken stock, divided
- Finely diced carrot and celery, for garnish
- 2 fresh dill sprigs, plus picked fresh dill fronds for garnish
Directions
-
1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs with seltzer, and schmaltz or oil. In a small bowl, stir together matzo meal with baking powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
-
2.
Meanwhile, divide stock evenly between two pots, season both with salt, and bring to a simmer. Add diced carrots and celery and dill sprigs to one pot and simmer until just tender; discard dill sprigs and keep warm.
-
3.
Using wet hands, and re-wetting hands as necessary, form matzo-ball mixture into 1- to 1 1/2-inch balls, and add to simmering pot of stock that doesn't have the carrots and celery. When all matzo balls are added, cover and simmer until matzo balls are cooked through, 1 hour. Cooked matzo balls can be kept warm in their broth until ready to serve.
-
4.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to serving bowls (you should have at least 3 per bowl); strain matzo-ball-cooking broth and save for another use. Ladle hot clear broth with carrots and celery into each bowl and garnish with dill springs. Serve.
This Recipe Appears In
Myth Testing: The Secrets of the Best Matzo BallsAll products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.
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