Delicious Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
Hear ye, hear ye! Gather round, for I have a most delectable recipe to share with thee. As a noble culinary assistant, I present to thee a vegetarian twist on the beloved classic dish of Matzo Ball Soup.
Traditionally made with chicken broth and matzo meal, this recipe uses vegetable stock and chickpea flour to create the perfect gluten-free and vegan option for those who do not partake in consuming meat or animal products. Fear not, my dear friends, for this is a soup that will satisfy all of your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
This recipe is perfect for your next Passover feast or any occasion where comfort food is needed. The fluffy matzo balls are infused with fragrant herbs like fresh parsley and dried dill. The rich broth is filled with vegetables like leeks, carrots, and celery to provide an additional layer of flavor and nutrients.
Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the world of vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup. It is a dish that I promise you will fall in love with, time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, how I doth believe thou shalt fall in love with this vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe! It is simply divine! Don’t believe me? Listen to this!
Firstly, it’s filled with an abundance of nutritious vegetables such as carrots, celery, and even red bell pepper. Such delectable vegetables add a tremendous amount of hearty flavour and nutrients to the soup. But let us not forget about the succulent and aromatic bay leaf that imparts such a unique and irresistible taste to the broth!
Secondly, the matzo balls themselves are simply heavenly! Whether you be vegan or just want a break from chicken soup, these light and fluffy matzo balls are truly an indulgence for your palate. The recipe uses chickpea flour instead of traditional matzo meal to create gluten-free matzoh balls that are simply mouth-watering.
Thirdly, the combination of flat-leaf parsley and dried dill adds a hint of green freshness to the soup. These herbs are so delicate in both texture and taste that they lend an air of elegance to the dish.
Lastly, if you are looking for a recipe that is easy to make and yet impressive enough for guests, this vegetarian matzo ball soup ticks all the boxes. With its heart-warming aroma and rich depth of flavour, this soup promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
In conclusion, prepare thyself for a culinary adventure like no other with this vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe. Not only will thy taste buds thank thee for giving them such an extraordinary treat but also thine entire being shall benefit greatly from its wholesome ingredients.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups matzo meal
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh green onions, minced
- 2 tablespoons seltzer water
Ingredients for the Soup:
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium leek, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Note: For a vegan version you could substitute butter with vegetable oil and eggs with an egg substitute like vegan mayonnaise or chickpea flour. Some brands also offer gluten-free matzo meal, like Rawcology.
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process.
The Recipe How-To
To prepare the vegetarian matzo ball soup, begin by making the matzo balls. Combine 1 cup of matzo meal, 4 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (light olive oil or canola oil are good options), 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of seltzer water. Add this mixture to the matzo meal mixture and stir until well combined.
Next, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour or longer. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water or vegetable stock to a boil.
Using your hands, form the chilled matzo mixture into balls about the size of golf balls. Gently drop them into the boiling water/stock. Reduce heat to low-medium heat and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
While the matzo balls cook, make the soup base. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add 1 large carrot, chopped; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped; and 1 medium-sized leek, sliced thin. Cook until tender for about 5-10 minutes. Then add 8 cups of vegetable broth or stock plus some salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to also add in additional spices or herbs like bay leaf or dried dill at this point.
Add in some chopped fresh parsley and green onions as well for extra flavor.
When ready to serve, spoon several matzo balls into bowls then ladle over hot soup broth with veggies. The soup will warm you up from head to toe on a cool day!
Substitutions and Variations
Rightly so, one might ask, what are some substitutions and variations to add pizzazz to this historical soup? Worry not, for I, as your trusty culinary advisor, have come prepared with some modulations to this vegetarian matzo ball soup. Allow me to share them with thee.
– Vegetable Stock: if you do not have vegetable stock at hand, you may replace it with mushroom or chicken broth.
– Gluten-Free Matzo Balls: Oh dear! You are on a gluten-free diet and cannot consume matzo flour? Fret not; we have a perfect substitute for you – chickpea flour. Rawcology brand makes excellent gluten-free chickpea matzo that works beautifully.
– Add some spice!: If you like a little spice in your food, add chopped jalapeno or red chili peppers to give the soup a depth of flavor.
– Vegan Passover Recipe: For those who follow a strict vegan diet during Passover or any other time of the year for that matter, replace the eggs in the recipe with egg substitutes made from tofu, aquafaba (chickpea liquid), or flaxseed. Also, opt for vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
– Lighter Version: You could make the recipe lighter by using unsweetened coconut milk instead of butter and almond flour instead of matzo meal. This alternative will make the soup creamier and nuttier in flavor.
Hopefully, one of these options will befit thy taste preferences and dietary requirements. Remember that cooking is an art; hence there is always room for improvisation.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the culmination of all your hard work – it’s time to serve up this tantalizing vegetarian matzo ball soup! I recommend serving this dish hot, piping straight from the stove to allow the savory aromas to fill the air. A hearty bowl of this soup will warm your insides and leave you feeling content and satisfied.
When it comes to pairing this dish, there are several options that will work well. As a vegan chef, I enjoy serving this vegetarian matzo ball soup with a side of freshly baked bread or crispy crackers. The bread adds a satisfying crunch and complements the texture of the matzo balls nicely.
For those seeking something more substantial, I recommend pairing this soup with a light salad filled with crisp greens, sliced veggies, and my homemade apple cider vinaigrette. The tangy and sweet vinaigrette is a perfect match for the savory flavor of the soup.
But if you really want to take your vegetarian matzo ball soup experience to the next level, try pairing it with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The velvety richness and deep fruity notes of these wines make them an excellent complement to the earthy ingredients in this dish.
However you decide to serve and pair this dish, be prepared for some very satisfied taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making matzo ball soup, it’s always a great idea to make a bigger batch than what you need. This will come in handy when you want to enjoy the soup for leftovers or store it for later. One of the best things about this vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead of time and store properly.
Make-ahead: To prepare the matzo balls in advance, you can place them in an airtight container and put them in your fridge. It’s also best to immerse them in the soup broth when you are ready to serve them. You can also make the soup base beforehand, but leave out the matzo balls as they can absorb too much liquid in the fridge.
Storing: For storing purposes, transfer the leftover soup and any remaining matzo balls into separate tight-sealed containers. Make sure they are cooled down first before placing them in your fridge for up to three days.
Reheating: When reheating, you can either warm up the entire pot on your stove over low heat or opt for microwaving individual portions. However, be careful not to overheat or overcook the matzo balls as they may become chewy or tough.
A note on vegan matzo ball soup: If you’re using vegan substitutes like chickpea flour as a replacement for eggs, take note that these versions may have shorter storage timeframes compared to traditional matzo balls made with eggs. It’s ideal to consume vegan passover recipes immediately or within a day to avoid spoilage.
In conclusion, with proper storage and reheating techniques, your vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe will continue to delight your taste buds even after days of cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect matzo balls for your vegetarian soup, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This will allow the matzo meal to soften and absorb more liquid, resulting in lighter and fluffier matzo balls.
Secondly, be sure not to overwork the dough when forming it into balls as this can result in tough and dense matzo balls. Simply roll the dough gently between your palms to form small, golf ball-sized spheres.
Another important tip is to not overcrowd the pot when cooking the matzo balls. Matzo balls expand as they cook, so leave enough space between each one in order to allow for this expansion. A good rule of thumb is to use a pot that is at least twice the size of the amount of water you are using.
Additionally, using seltzer water instead of regular water for the matzo ball mixture can result in lighter and fluffier matzo balls. The carbonation in seltzer water creates air pockets that help the matzo balls rise.
Lastly, be sure to season your soup generously with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or dill. These bright and flavorful herbs not only add depth of flavor but also serve as a beautiful garnish atop each bowl of soup.
Follow these tips and tricks for perfect results every time you make vegetarian matzo ball soup!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe is perfect for those who enjoy flavor-packed meals that are easy to make. With ingredients readily available at any grocery store, the recipe is simple and quick to prepare. The best part is that it does not compromise on taste or nutrition.
Moreover, this recipe offers a vegan option for those looking for an alternate to traditional chicken soup during Passover. Vegan passover recipes can still be hearty and delicious with these tasty matzah balls.
So why not give this recipe a try at your next meal? You won’t be disappointed with the light and fluffy matzo balls swimming in a flavorful broth made from wholesome ingredients. And with tips for perfect results and substitutions and variations to cater to your preferences, you can customize this recipe to match your taste buds.
This vegetarian matzo ball soup recipe is an excellent addition to any mealtime, whether enjoyed as a comforting entrée or as a starter before a larger dish. Trust me, you won’t regret having this dish in your culinary arsenal.
Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Matzo Balls
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable stock (or water)
- 1/2 cup unsalted matzo meal
- 1 tablespoon minced flat leaf parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Soup
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 green onions, including green parts, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- To make the matzo balls, stir together eggs, butter and vegetable stock in a small bowl. Add the matzo meal, parsley, dill and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 8 hours.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat; add a dash of salt. Using wet hands, for the dough into 12 1-inch balls. Drop the balls, one at a time, into the boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Matzo balls should be plump, tender and cooked through.
- While the matzo balls are simmering, make the soup. Combine all ingredients except green onions, parsley, salt and pepper in large dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and taste. Adjust seasonings to suit taste.
- When matzo balls are done, transfer them to a plate.
- To serve, place two matzo balls in a bowl and ladle soup over them.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.