CHICKEN SOUP WITH MINIATURE LEEK-CHIVE MATZO BALLS

Chicken Soup with Miniature Leek-Chive Matzo Balls image

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted pareve margarine
1/2 cup packed finely chopped leek (white and pale green parts only)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives
4 eggs
2 tablespoons ginger ale
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup unsalted matzo meal
12 cups chicken broth
Chopped fresh chives

Steps:

Melt margarine in heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add leek; sauté 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 cup chives.
Beat eggs, ginger ale, salt, pepper and ginger to blend in bowl. Mix in matzo meal and leek mixture. Cover and chill until firm, at least 2 hours.
Line large baking sheet with plastic wrap. Using moistened palms, roll rounded teaspoons of matzo mixture into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet. Chill 30 minutes.
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Drop in matzo balls; cover pot. Cook matzo balls until tender and evenly colored throughout, about 40 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to bowl. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.)
Bring chicken broth to simmer in large pot. Add matzo balls and cook until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
Place 4 matzo balls in each of 12 bowls. Ladle soup over. Garnish with chives and serves.