CELERY AND PARSNIP SOUP WITH GREEN ONION-DILL MATZO BALLS

Celery and Parsnip Soup with Green Onion-Dill Matzo Balls image

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted pareve margarine
9 cups thinly sliced celery stalks (about 2 bunches)
2 cups finely chopped peeled parsnips (about 12 ounces)
1 1/2 cups chopped green onions
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1 thin round of peeled fresh ginger
6 cups (or more) homemade chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
1/2 cup finely chopped celery leaves
Green Onion-Dill Matzo Balls

Steps:

Melt margarine in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add next 5 ingredients. Cover; cook 10 minutes. Add 6 cups stock; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered until vegetables are very tender, about 15 minutes.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until very smooth, adding celery leaves to each batch. Return to pot. Thin with more broth, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill until cold. Cover; keep chilled.)
Rewarm soup. Serve with Green Onion-Dill Matzo Balls.