Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling Cook: 2 hours

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Sep. 30, 2022
A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 10 cups water
  • 12 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 medium carrots, cut into chunks
  • 3 small turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium onions, cut into wedges
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 medium leek (white portion only), sliced
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • MATZO BALLS:
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons rendered chicken fat
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 3/4 cup matzo meal
  • 8 cups water

Directions

  1. For broth, in a stockpot, combine the first 12 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the egg yolks on high speed for 2 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Add the water, chicken fat and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form; fold into yolk mixture. Fold in matzo meal. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until thickened.
  3. In another stockpot, bring water to a boil; add remaining salt. Drop eight rounded tablespoonfuls of matzo ball dough into boiling water. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a matzo ball comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering).
  4. Strain broth, discarding vegetables and seasonings. Carefully remove matzo balls from water with a slotted spoon; place one matzo ball in each soup bowl. Add broth.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.