Scallion and Ginger Matzo Ball Soup

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Total: 2 hr 25 min
  • Active: 25 min
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Ingredients

Soup:

2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken drumsticks or thighs

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

One 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch pieces

2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 

4 scallions, sliced on a bias into 1-inch pieces 

2 large carrots, chopped into coins 

1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar 

Toasted sesame oil, for serving 

Sambal oelek, for serving 

Matzo Balls:

1 cup matzo meal

Kosher salt 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

4 large eggs, separated 

4 scallions, chopped 

Directions

  1. For the soup: Season the chicken all over with the salt. Tie up the ginger in a piece of cheesecloth (or put in a tea bag or tea ball). Put the chicken and ginger in a large pot with the soy sauce, scallions, carrots and 8 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and simmer about 1 hour, skimming the foam off of the top when needed.
  2. For the matzo balls: In a large bowl, combine the matzo meal and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in the oil, egg yolks, scallions and 1/4 cup of the soup. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until fluffy but not stiff. Fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, use a fork or your hands to pull the meat from the bones; reserve the meat. Return the soup to a very low simmer while you make the matzo balls.
  4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Roll tablespoon-size balls of the matzo mixture. Boil in the salted water until fluffy, 30 to 35 minutes. 
  5. Return the meat to the soup and simmer until warmed through. When ready to serve, stir the black vinegar into the soup. Serve the matzo balls in the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil and a plop of sambal oelek.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Tierney H.

Delicious and flavorful! Not sure what the previous reviewer cooked, but it couldn't have been this! It was jam packed with interesting ingredients and I wish I made more! Also, I substituted gluten free matzo mix (following the directions on that box, but adding scallions to the mix) and it was perfect and delicious! 

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