Matzoh Ball Soup – a.k.a. Jewish Penicillin

One of my most favorite soups EVER is my mom’s homemade matzoh ball soup.  It is known to cure any ailment, make your frown turn upside down, and convert you to Judaism.  I am totally kidding on the last account, but if you ask my elementary school friend (who happens to be Catholic) what she told her mom after celebrating a Jewish holiday over our house…she’d tell you – she’s Jewish.  It was soup.  LOL

You could be any religion, no religion, confused, etc., and be a lover of this soup!  Here is how my mom taught me to make it.  (I still call her because I always forget something and every ingredient counts.)

INGREDIENTS

Kosher chicken – yes, Kosher.  It may be a bit more expensive than conventional, but Kosher chickens have a different taste to them.  Trust me…
Parsnip
Dill
Carrots
Celery
Turnip
Parsley?
Onion
Garlic
Matzoh Ball Mix

TODO:

Clean the chicken.  Kosher chickens are known to sometimes have feathers or parts of the feathers still on them.  I know it doesn’t sound super appetizing, but I promise…so worth it in the end.
Place the chicken into a big enough pot of water – the water has to cover the chicken.  When the water comes to a boil, add all of the ingredients above.  Put the heat down to a simmer and periodically skim the top of the soup of any fat.  The longer you cook it, the more delicious it will be!!

VEGGIE PREP:

Tie the parsley and dill bunches together with kitchen twine.
Peel the carrots.
Clean up celery.
Shave some of the schmutz off of the parsnip.
Peel the outer layer off of the onions.  (Did you know that if onions are cold when cut, there is less chance for tears?)

MATZOH BALLS:

Mix all ingredients together.  Place bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes.  While you are waiting, boil a pot of water.  Once the time is up, make balls with the mix and plop them into the pot.  Once they float to the top, remove them and place them to the side.

PASTA:

I love the super thin egg noodles…they go so well with the soup.  Prepare based on package directions.

Everyone has their own little twist to homemade chicken soup.  What is your favorite twist?  Post below!!