Homemade Chicken Soup with Matzoh Balls
 

Making chicken soup is so easy that anyone can do it! Rinse a whole chicken (between 2 and 3 lbs) and stick it in a pot large enough to accommodate enough water to cover the chicken and added vegetables.

Matzo Balls:
Ingredients:

• 1 cup matzoh meal

• 1/4 cup chicken fat

• 1/2 cup soda water (seltzer)

• 4 eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 quarts chicken soup, homemade

• 3/4 cup orzo (omit during Passover)

• 2 cups thinly sliced carrots

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

In a bowl, mix together matzoh meal, chicken fat and seltzer. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until frothy. Stir into matzoh meal mix with 1 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Bring 2 quarts of chicken soup to a simmer. Take a small spoonful of the mixture and using two small spoons, shape the mixture into small balls (about the size of a large marble) and place in simmering soup. Cook for 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, if you're making orzo, toast it in a dry, medium skillet over medium low heat, stirring often until it turns a light golden brown. Boil the orzo until al dente, drain and reserve for soup.

Bring remaining 2 quarts of chicken stock to a boil. Cook carrots until al dente. Lower to a simmer, add cooked matzoh balls, orzo (if using), and dill. Serve very hot.

Makes 8 servings.

From More than a Meal, by Anne Rosenzweig. epicurious.com.