Simple chicken soup with matzo balls

Makes 3-4 litres Starters and mains

Advertisement

Method

Start this recipe the day before serving. Wash the chicken and the bones under cold running water. Put them in a stockpot or very large saucepan along with the other ingredients. Pour in enough cold water to just cover, around 3-4 litres.

Bring to the boil. Skim off the scum that rises to the surface, partially cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook at a light boil for 1.5-2 hours. Allow to cool slightly for 30 minutes before removing the bones and straining the soup, discarding everything except the carrot.

Add salt and pepper to the soup to taste. Allow to cool and refrigerate overnight. The next day, skim off the fat from the top of the soup. Reheat the soup to serve, tasting for seasoning and flavour. If the flavour is not strong enough, bring to the boil and reduce to reach the desired taste, and if the flavour is too strong, add some water. Serve within 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve with the reserved carrots and matzo balls.

Matzo balls:

In an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly and mix with the matzo meal, oil, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Add spoon by spoon to the egg whites, whisking after each addition. Taste and season generously. Set aside for 30 minutes, giving a light fold through after 15 minutes. Bring a stockpot or very large saucepan of well-salted water to the boil. With wet hands, and without pressing too firmly, lightly roll the mixture into smooth walnut-sized balls and drop into the water. After the last ball, continue to boil for 20 minutes. Remove pot from the heat and allow the balls to cool in the water. When ready to serve, remove with a slotted spoon and reheat in the chicken soup.