If you love chicken soup, then Ina Garten’s Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls recipe is a must-try. It’s a delightful blend of classic flavors, reminiscent of those comforting days when a warm bowl was all you needed to soothe your soul. This recipe is not only straightforward and easy, but it also brings a touch of Ina’s culinary magic to your kitchen, ensuring every spoonful is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Here at Toast It Roast It we love to recreate recipes with a Toasty Twist! So we’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the freshest ingredients to achieving the perfect simmer, ensuring that each spoonful is a warm embrace of comforting flavors. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe book!
Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls Recipe Works
- Foolproof Simplicity: You know, sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t need a culinary degree to follow. Ina’s chicken soup is just like that – straightforward, no-fuss. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays or when you just want a cozy meal without the hassle.
- Flavor Packed: Let’s talk about flavor! This recipe hits all the right notes – it’s like a symphony in a bowl. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and chicken creates a depth of flavor that’s both rich and comforting. It’s the kind of taste that makes you close your eyes and go, “Mmm.”
- Versatility is Key: What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Want to throw in some extra veggies you have lying around? Go for it! Prefer a bit more garlic? Why not! This soup is your canvas, and Ina’s recipe is just the starting point for your culinary creativity.
- Nutritionally Balanced: It’s not just about taste; this soup packs a punch in the nutrition department too. With lean protein from the chicken, a variety of veggies, and the option to adjust ingredients to dietary needs, it’s a guilt-free meal that leaves you feeling good.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Last but not least, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of some culinary comfort, this chicken soup is like a soothing balm for the soul – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need that now and then?
- STOCKPOT WITH LID: Covered stockpot constructed from durable steel with a sturdy enamel exterior that adds refreshing color to the kitchen
- STURDY HANDLES: Sturdy loop handles help provide a confident grip when moving the stockpot from one kitchen area to another
- STAIN RESISTANT: Stain resistant and easy to clean
- OVEN SAFE: Induction suitable and oven safe to 450°F
- LOCKS IN HEAT: Snug-fitting lid seals in heat and moist
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Here’s How It’s Done!
Print
Ina Garten’s Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls( Toasty Twist)
A heartwarming, traditional soup featuring tender chicken and fluffy matzo balls, enriched with a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 (5-pound) roasting chickens
- 3 large yellow onions, quartered (unpeeled)
- 6 carrots, halved (unpeeled)
- 4 stalks celery with leaves, cut into thirds
- 4 parsnips, halved (unpeeled, optional)
- 20 sprigs fresh parsley
- 15 sprigs fresh thyme
- 20 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise (unpeeled)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 4 cups 1/4-inch-diced carrots (for serving)
- 4 cups 1/4-inch-diced celery (for serving)
- 1/4 cup minced fresh dill (for serving)
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (for serving)
Matzo Balls:
- 4 extra-large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup good chicken stock
- 1/4 cup rendered chicken fat, melted
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup matzo meal
Instructions
- Combine chickens, onions, carrots, celery, parsnips, parsley, thyme, dill, garlic, salt, and peppercorns in a large stockpot. Add water to cover by 1 inch and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 3-4 hours. Strain and discard solids. Chill overnight.
- Remove surface fat from chilled soup. Reheat and add diced carrots, celery, dill, and parsley.
- For matzo balls: Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. Mix yolks, chicken stock, chicken fat, parsley, and salt. Fold in matzo meal, then egg whites. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, form into balls, and simmer in salted water for 30 minutes.
- Serve matzo balls in hot chicken soup.
Notes
- Soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Matzo balls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in their cooking liquid.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: simmering
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Kosher
Cooking Tips
Here are some essential cooking tips to ensure your Ina Garten’s Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls turns out perfectly:
- Quality of Chicken: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the quality of the chicken. Using a good-quality, organic chicken can significantly enhance the taste.
- Simmering: Avoid boiling the soup vigorously; a gentle simmer is key. This approach ensures the chicken cooks evenly, and the broth remains clear and not cloudy.
- Skimming the Broth: Regularly skim off the foam and impurities that rise to the surface during the initial boiling. This step is crucial for a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme add depth to the soup. Tie them in a bundle with kitchen twine for easy removal later.
- Matzo Ball Texture: For lighter, fluffier matzo balls, ensure you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them gently into the mixture. Overmixing can make the matzo balls dense.
- Chilling the Matzo Mixture: Refrigerating the matzo mixture before forming it into balls helps them hold their shape when cooked.
- Cooking Matzo Balls: Cook the matzo balls in a separate pot of simmering salted water, not in the soup. This prevents the soup from becoming cloudy and ensures even cooking.
- Size of Matzo Balls: Remember, matzo balls expand as they cook, so make them smaller than the desired final size.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavor of the soup develops over time, so it’s essential to taste and adjust accordingly.
- Storing and Reheating: Chicken soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store the soup and matzo balls separately in the refrigerator. When reheating, bring the soup to a gentle simmer, and add the matzo balls just before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with freshly diced carrots, celery, and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for added freshness.
- Customization: Feel free to add or remove vegetables according to your preference. Some like to add leeks or turnips for a different flavor profile.
These tips will help elevate your Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls, making it a memorable and delicious dish!
Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough and dry. It should be cooked just enough to be tender and easy to shred.
- Not Skimming the Broth: Failing to skim the fat and impurities from the surface can result in a cloudy and greasy soup.
- Boiling Instead of Simmering: A rolling boil can break up the chicken and make the broth cloudy. A gentle simmer is essential for a clear, flavorful broth.
- Overmixing Matzo Ball Dough: This can lead to dense, heavy matzo balls. The key is to mix just until combined and handle the dough gently.
- Not Chilling the Matzo Ball Mixture: Skipping the chilling step can cause the matzo balls to fall apart when cooking.
- Cooking Matzo Balls in the Soup: This can make the soup cloudy and alter the texture of the matzo balls. It’s best to cook them separately in water.
- Underseasoning: Chicken soup requires adequate seasoning to bring out its flavors. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Ignoring Freshness of Ingredients: Using stale herbs or old spices can significantly diminish the flavor of the soup.
- Overcrowding the Pot: When cooking matzo balls, give them enough space to expand and cook evenly. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked matzo balls.
- Ignoring Dietary Restrictions: If serving to guests, be mindful of dietary restrictions or allergies, especially regarding chicken stock and matzo meal ingredients.
Conclusion:
Creating a delightful Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls is a journey that combines tradition with culinary finesse. By selecting quality ingredients, respecting the cooking process, and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft a soup that’s not only nourishing but also a testament to your skill and care in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a comforting meal, this soup is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to any table. Enjoy the process, relish the flavors, and take pride in the creation of this timeless classic. Bon appétit!