The Most Comforting Matzah Ball Soup

As Hanukkah approaches, the season of warmth, family, and tradition is upon us. One dish that perfectly embodies the comforting spirit of the holiday is matzah ball soup. Our culinary team for seniors in Morris County has curated a special recipe that will bring joy to your table and keep you cozy throughout the winter. Let’s dive into how you can make this iconic comfort food at home, step by step.

Matzah Ball Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1/4 cup club soda
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish

Chicken Soup Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 turnip, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• Small handful of black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and one teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for about four minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Stir occasionally, cooking until the onions turn a rich amber color (20–30 minutes).
4. Remove the onions and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2: Assemble the Matzah Balls

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted margarine.
2. Gradually mix in club soda, matzo meal, half of the caramelized onions, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Switch to a wooden spoon as the mixture thickens, then refrigerate for one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Start the Chicken Soup

1. Add chicken pieces, onion, celery, carrots, turnip, garlic, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and salt to a large stockpot. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients, then bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 90 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Matzah Balls

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add a few ladles of soup to the water for flavor.
2. With moistened hands, roll the refrigerated matzah mixture into balls and drop them into the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Combine Everything into the Soup

1. Strain the soup through a sieve, returning the broth and desired vegetables to the pot.
2. Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the broth. Place the cooked matzah balls into the soup.
3. Garnish with the remaining caramelized onions, a sprinkle of fresh pepper, and optional spiralized vegetables for a pop of color.

Sharing Hanukkah Dishes at Our Assisted Living Community in NJ

At Lester Senior Living in Whippany, we treasure the opportunity to honor Hanukkah with our residents and their loved ones. Our culinary team works tirelessly to prepare beloved holiday dishes such as matzah ball soup, tender brisket, and sufganiyot, ensuring every meal is steeped in the warmth and spirit of the season. These meals are more than just food — they are a bridge to our heritage, a way to relive cherished memories, and an invitation to create new ones with family and friends. Whether you’re visiting mom for a Hanukkah dinner or enjoying a meal alongside our residents, dining with us is an integral part of the JCHC experience, where tradition is at the heart of everything we do.

We welcome you to join us for lunch or to explore the enriching lifestyle we offer seniors in Whippany, NJ. For more information, visit our website at https://jchcorp.org.

Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/the-most-comforting-matzah-ball-soup/