Sephardic Matzo Ball Soup | |
Matzo Ball Soup, a definite comfort food. The delicious chicken broth, the soft, warm matzo balls makes for a perfect soup on a crisp Fall evening! When I saw this recipe for Sephardic Matzo Ball Soup on the Food Network, I knew that I had to make it. It has all the Latin flavors of the Mediterranean plus good old fashioned Matzo Ball Soup. My family loved it and I think I like it even better than the Traditional type. To see how it’s made, keep reading.


Ingredients
- Saffron Matzo Balls
4 large eggs- 1 tsp. canola oil
- 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- For the soup
- Canned or homemade chicken stock
- If using canned, add the following and cook until the vegetables are soft and follow the directions below
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into thirds
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into thirds
- 1 large leek, washed well and cut in half. (Make sure all the sand is out)
- 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 stalks of celery, cut into thirds
- A handful of Italian parsley
- A handful of dill
- 4-6 large whole garlic cloves, peeled
- 5 or 6 peppercorns
- Add all the vegetables, garlic and pepper to the canned stock and cook covered on a low flame for 45 minutes or until vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally. Once done, discard the vegetables and strain the soup. Set aside until ready to use. The soup can be made in advance and frozen. It freezes very well.
- Sofrito (this is what gives it its distinctive Latin flavor)
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- Small pinch of Saffron
- 1 tsp of hot pepper sauce (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. To a large bowl whisk the eggs, oils, water, parsley, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Add in the matzo meal and baking powder. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour.- When water is boiling, moisten your hands with water and form the matzo meal mixture into small 1 inch size balls. Gently drop them into the water. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning over half way through. They can be made in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and then bring to room temperature before adding to the soup.
- To make the Sofrito, add the oil to a large non stick Dutch oven. Add in the onions, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, garlic and Saffron. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, but do not brown. You just want the vegetables soft and tender. About 10 minutes. If using, add the hot sauce at the end.
- When you are ready to serve the soup divide the Sofrito, matzo balls and soup amongst the bowls and serve.
- Enjoy!
I’ve never had Matzo Ball Soup before but I think it’s time I change that! This looks wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing on Saturday Night Fever! I’m pinning now, have a wonderful week!
~Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy recently posted…Slow Cooker Peach Oatmeal
thank you for stopping by!! I do believe you will love the soup as it’s really quite delicious!! 🙂
This soup really does look wonderful. It would be perfect today. It is even below freezing in Arkansas. Thank you so much for stopping by Wonderful Wednesday Blog hop. I will pin this soup.
I will also make sure I am following your social medias.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Diane Roark recently posted…Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop
Thanks so much Joanne and I hope you have a great day! 🙂
I have never had matzo ball soup before, but this looks delicious. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Michelle recently posted…Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party January 24, 2014
I think you will really like it Michelle…it’s definite comfort food!! Have a great day! 🙂
I really need to try a matzo ball! Looks delicious.
Thanks Denise! You would definitely love it, especially on a cold winter day! 🙂
Now here is what I call a SUPER YUMMY twist on a classic favorite of mine. Thanks for stopping by MUNCHING MONDAYS with this amazing dish Sandi! xoxo Nic
Thanks so much Nic!!! 🙂
What a delicious and comforting traditional soup – perfect for the cold weather we’ve been having! Thank you for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.
April @ The 21st century housewife recently posted…Easy No-Bake Lime Cheesecake
thanks so much April and I hope you have a lovely evening!! 🙂
this is new to me – thanks for sharing.
but you will definitely like it! 🙂
This looks like a totally awesome soup! I’ve yet to try Matzo Ball Soup, but I’d sure love to dig into this one. Thanks for sharing with Simple Supper Tuesday.
Cindy ~Hun… What’s for Dinner? recently posted…Simple Supper Tuesday #49
I’ve never had anything like this before…will have to try it! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Thanks Rachel, you would definitely like it….comfort food for sure! 🙂
Add me to the list of “have never had matzo ball soup.” I’m digging on the Latin flavor–how fun!
Thank you for sharing!
Michelle recently posted…Going, Going, Gone: My Louisiana Coast Part 1
I think you will definitely like it!! 🙂 Have a great evening, Michelle! 🙂
A favorite soup of mine! Thanks for posting this at the Saturday Night Fever link party. Hope to see you back on Saturday!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl recently posted…Pepper Jack Jalapeno Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
Hi Pamela….so glad you like it!! 🙂 Have a great weekend and I will definitely be back! Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for linking up at Sweet and Savoury Sunday, I’m the new co-host and would love for you to link up this weekend. This looks so comforting, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Laura@baking in pyjamas recently posted…Rhubarb and Vanilla Cake
Hi Laura….thanks so much and I will definitely be back! 🙂
this looks so delish. I would love a big bowl right now. Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop ♥
Katherines Corner recently posted…Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop 135
Thanks so much Katherine and have a great day! 🙂
Looks good and easy…thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog Hop!!
Pam@over50feeling40 recently posted…I Matter When I Pursue My Passions…plus the Thursday Blog Hop!
Thanks so much Pam! Have a great day! 🙂
Sandi,
Thanks for linking this lovely recipe to #GetHimFed No. 30. I’m featuring your recipe on #GetHimFed No. 31. Hope you link up this week too.
Annamaria
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction recently posted…Man Food Linky Party #GetHimFed Fridays No. 30
Thank you very much Annamaria! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Have a good week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Orange Tea Muffins
Thanks so much Miz Helen and I hope you have a great weekend! See you soon! 🙂
Now this is not grandma’s plain old matzo ball soup… I love the seasoning. Thanks for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
Diane Balch recently posted…How Stonyfield Greek Yogurt Fuels my Family’s Marathon! #Healthy Eating #Weekly Menu Plan
Thank you very much Diane!! It was quite delicious…very flavorful! I will be back very soon! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Looks delicious!! Thanks for linking up at Take it on Tuesday!!
~ Betsy @ Romance on a dime
Thank you very much Betsy and have a great weekend! 🙂