No compilation of chicken soup recipes
would be complete without directions for making matzo balls.
Matzo Balls for Chicken Soup
2 tablespoons rendered chicken fat (schmaltz)
or peanut oil (chicken fat tastes better and is more authentic)
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup matzo meal
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons club soda or seltzer
- Mix the fat and eggs together with a wire
whisk in a bowl. Add the matzo meal and salt slowly, blending
in well with the wire whisk. Add the club soda and whisk well
again. Cover the bowl, and place in refrigerator for at least
30 minutes. An hour is even better.
- Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a brisk
boil on high heat. Lower the heat, and wait until the water is
bubbling just slightly. Divide the batter into 12 equal parts,
and roll them into balls. Drop the balls in water. Cover the
pot, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. Don't look into
the pot every 5 minutes. The matzo balls will not fly away. Look
into pot after 40 minutes. If the matzo balls have risen to the
surface, they are done. If they haven't throw them out and try
again, unless you like dumplings that have the consistency of
cannonballs.
- Remove the cooked matzo balls, and add
them to the soup. Reheat to serve.
Make 12.