MATZO BALL SOUP WITH DUCK MEATBALLS

Matzo Ball Soup with Duck Meatballs image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 fresh duck (7 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
6 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 medium onions, quartered (do not peel)
6 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley and 1/4 cup chopped leaves, plus leaves for garnish
6 fresh thyme sprigs and 1/4 cup chopped leaves
14 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed
6 large eggs plus 1 large egg white
2 cups matzo meal

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season duck with salt and pepper. Transfer to a roasting pan. Add carrots, celery, and onions; season with salt and pepper. Roast duck and vegetables, turning occasionally, until duck is browned, about 1 1/2 hours.
Transfer duck and vegetables to a 12-quart stockpot, reserving fat. Pour fat through a sieve into a bowl; refrigerate, covered. Add 8 quarts cold water to pot. Add herb sprigs. Bring to a boil; cook 10 minutes. Simmer over low heat 1 1/2 hours.
Pour stock through a sieve into another large pot; reserve meat, and discard vegetables. Season stock with salt and pepper. Let cool. Skim off any fat, and add to reserved fat in refrigerator.
Remove meat from bones; discard skin and bones. Process meat, mushrooms, 2 eggs, the egg white, 1 cup matzo meal, the chopped herbs, 1/4 cup reserved fat, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until a paste forms. Shape into 60 (1 1/4-inch) meatballs. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
Melt 1/4 cup reserved duck fat in a small saucepan over low heat. Lightly beat remaining 4 eggs in a bowl. Whisk in melted fat, 1/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Stir in remaining cup matzo meal. Refrigerate, covered, until slightly firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bring stock to a boil. Scoop out 26 (1 1/4-inch) balls of matzo mixture, and add to stock. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Add meatballs; simmer 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.