WHAT IS MATZO BALL SOUP MADE OF RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring all ingredients and 12 cups cold water to a boil in a very large (at least 12-qt.) stockpot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chicken breasts are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Transfer breasts to a plate (remaining chicken parts are strictly for stock). Let breasts cool slightly, then remove meat and return bones to stock. Shred meat. Let cool, tightly wrap, and chill.
• Continue to simmer stock, skimming surface occasionally, until reduced by one-third, about 2 hours. Strain chicken stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan (or airtight container, if not using right away); discard solids. You should have about 8 cups. DO AHEAD: Stock can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Keep reserved chicken meat chilled.
• Mix eggs, matzo meal, schmaltz, club soda, and salt in a medium bowl (mixture will resemble wet sand; it will firm up as it rests). Cover and chill at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
• Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Add carrots; season with salt. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat, add reserved breast meat, and cover. Set soup aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Scoop out 2-tablespoonful portions matzo ball mixture and, using wet hands, gently roll into balls.
• Add matzo balls to water and reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer (too much bouncing around will break them up). Cover pot and cook matzo balls until cooked through and starting to sink, 20–25 minutes. DO AHEAD: Using a slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to bowls. Ladle soup over, top with dill, and season with pepper.

Steps:

• Make vegetable broth: In a large pot with a lid over high heat, combine all broth ingredients except salt. Cover, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to a low simmer, and cook covered until vegetables are very tender, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make chili oil (if using): In a medium heat-proof bowl, combine everything seasoning, chili flakes, and fennel seeds. In a small saucepan over medium, heat oil to 225°. Pour hot oil over spices, stir, and let cool.
• When broth is done simmering, strain it through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids. Stir in salt until dissolved, taste, and add more salt if necessary.
• Make matzo balls: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, herbs, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Fold in matzo meal until no dry spots remain, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• When ready to cook, heat a large pot of salted water to a boil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease the parchment with cooking spray. Using wet hands, shape the dough into balls about 1” in diameter and transfer to baking sheet. You should end up with around 18 balls. (Try to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid compacting it.)
• Reduce heat so that the water is gently simmering. Add matzo balls to water, cover, and cook until they have expanded and are firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. To test if matzo balls are done, cut one in half and check to see if the texture and color is consistent throughout. If it is dense or dark in the center, continue simmering.
• Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth back to a simmer. Add carrots, cover, and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes.
• When ready to serve, add matzo balls to serving bowls and ladle over broth and carrots. Garnish with herbs and chili oil, if using.