CHICKEN MATZO BALL SOUP

Chicken Matzo Ball Soup image

The keys to this amazing chicken matzo ball soup are slow-cooking it and using boxed matzo ball mix. Some people swear by seltzer, but I find it's not necessary-the mix makes perfect, fluffy matzo balls every time due to its baking powder. Add chicken fat (schmaltz) for extra-authentic flavor. The matzo balls will taste as if they came straight from Grandma's kitchen. -Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 2h

Yield 26 servings (6-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 19

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Ingredients

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
1 pound chicken wings
6 quarts water
3 large carrots, chopped
2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 bunch fresh dill sprigs
1 bunch fresh parsley sprigs
1-1/2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
3 teaspoons salt
MATZO BALLS:
1 package (5 ounces) matzo ball mix
4 large eggs
1/4 cup safflower oil
1/4 cup rendered chicken fat
2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
10 cups water

Steps:

Place chicken and wings in a stockpot; add water, vegetables, herbs and seasonings. Slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 1-2 hours., Remove chicken and wings and cool. Strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander; reserve vegetables. Skim fat. Remove meat from bones and cut into bite-sized pieces; discard bones. Return broth, vegetables and meat to pot. If using immediately, skim fat. Or cool broth, then refrigerate 8 hours or overnight; remove fat from surface before using. (Broth may be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen 4-6 months.), Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat matzo ball mix, eggs, oil, chicken fat, dill and parsley until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes., In another stockpot, bring water to a boil. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of matzo ball dough into boiling water. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until a toothpick inserted into a matzo ball comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering), 20-25 minutes., Carefully remove matzo balls from water with a slotted spoon; place 1 matzo ball in each soup bowl. Add soup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 523mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein.