Jewish Matzo Ball Soup – A Classic Cold Remedy

Matzo Ball Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a bowl of tradition, comfort, and healing. This Jewish staple is known for its soft, pillowy dumplings floating in a golden, nourishing broth, often enjoyed during Passover, family gatherings, and chilly nights. But beyond its cultural significance, matzo ball soup is often called “Jewish Penicillin” for its ability to soothe colds, warm the soul, and provide pure comfort in every spoonful.

Whether you grew up eating it or are new to its rich history, this recipe will walk you through making the ultimate bowl of matzo ball soup from scratch—fluffy dumplings, deeply flavorful broth, and a warmth that lingers long after the last bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Matzo Ball Soup

• Perfect Cold Remedy – The nourishing broth and gentle spices make it a go-to for boosting immunity.
• Light & Comforting – Soft matzo balls in soothing chicken broth make for an easy-to-digest, ultra-comforting dish.
• Time-Tested & Traditional – A Jewish classic passed down through generations.
• Customizable & Versatile – Adjust flavors, textures, and ingredients to make it your own.
• Halal & Dietary-Friendly – This version uses halal broth, but you can make it vegetarian or gluten-free with simple swaps.

The Healing Power of Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup isn’t just a nostalgic comfort food—it’s a nutrient-packed, immune-boosting powerhouse. The slow-simmered broth, protein-rich eggs, and anti-inflammatory ingredients make it the ultimate healing soup.

Ingredient	Health Benefit
Chicken Broth	Rich in collagen, minerals, and gut-healing nutrients.
Matzo Meal	Provides gentle carbohydrates that are easy on digestion.
Eggs	High in protein, keeping you full and strong.
Garlic & Onion	Known for their antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
Carrots & Celery	Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to fight illness.

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How to Make Jewish Matzo Ball Soup

1. Prepare the Matzo Ball Dough

Matzo balls, also known as kneidlach, are the heart of the soup. The secret to perfectly fluffy matzo balls lies in the resting time—don’t skip it!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup matzo meal
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons schmaltz (or vegetable oil for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, schmaltz (or oil), and broth until combined.
2. Stir in matzo meal, salt, and pepper, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the matzo meal absorb moisture, creating fluffy dumplings.

2. Shape & Cook the Matzo Balls

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. With wet hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Drop them into the boiling water, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot.
4. Let them simmer for 30-40 minutes, until they double in size and float.

3. Prepare the Healing Broth

The key to an aromatic, deeply flavored broth is slow simmering.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought halal broth)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Once the matzo balls are done, transfer them to the broth, allowing them to soak up the flavors for a few minutes.

4. Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has at least two matzo balls and plenty of broth.
2. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a burst of flavor.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Looking for more soul-warming broths? Try our Greek Avgolemono Lemon Chicken Soup for a creamy, citrusy twist!

Matzo Ball Soup Variations

Customize your soup with these delicious variations:

Variation	How to Make It
Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup	Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Matzo Ball Soup	Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Garlic & Herb Matzo Balls	Mix chopped parsley and minced garlic into the matzo dough.
Gluten-Free Matzo Ball Soup	Use gluten-free matzo meal.

Best Side Dishes for Matzo Ball Soup

Complete your meal with these classic Jewish sides:

• Challah Bread – Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for dipping.
• Latkes (Potato Pancakes) – Crispy, golden brown, and delicious.
• Crisp Green Salad – Light and refreshing with a lemony dressing.
• Gefilte Fish – A traditional Jewish appetizer.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cooked matzo balls freeze well—store them separately from the broth for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make matzo ball soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the matzo balls separately and add them to the broth just before serving to maintain their texture.

Q: Why are my matzo balls dense?
A: Dense matzo balls usually mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the balls weren’t simmered gently. Let the dough rest and cook them at a low simmer.

Q: Can I use store-bought matzo meal?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought matzo meal works just as well as homemade.

Q: Is matzo ball soup gluten-free?
A: Traditional matzo meal contains gluten, but you can make it gluten-free by using GF matzo meal.

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This Jewish Matzo Ball Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a healing broth, soft dumplings, and a touch of tradition in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or as a remedy for a cold, this soup is a must-have recipe in your collection.

Pin it on Pinterest, share it with friends, and keep this classic cold remedy on hand for whenever you need a warm, nourishing bowl of soup!