Whether you’re under the weather, feeling blue, or just need some comfort food, there’s nothing more nourishing than a bowl of warm Matzo ball soup.
Matzo ball soup is a cherished culinary delight rooted deeply in Jewish tradition. This warm and comforting dish traditionally consists of light and fluffy dumplings, known as Matzo balls, in a flavorful broth with loads of healthy vegetables.
This tasty soup may be a beloved part of the Jewish Passover Seder celebration, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy it year-round, Jewish or not.
The best part is that while Matzo ball soup is usually made with eggs, chicken fat, and chicken broth, it’s entirely possible to create a vegan version that is just as delicious and satisfying.
In this blog post, we will explore a delicious vegan Matzo ball recipe that captures the essence of the original dish with a vegan twist.
What Are Matzo Balls
If you’ve never heard of or tried Matzo balls, you’re definitely missing out! But, don’t worry, by the end of this blog, you’ll be a Matzo ball aficionado!
Matzo balls, also known as Matzah balls, Matzoh balls, or Knaidelach, are traditional Jewish dumplings made from Matzo meal, which is a type of unleavened bread.
Matzo balls are a staple in Matzo ball soup, but these delicious dumplings can be enjoyed on their own.
Matzo balls can be served warm or chilled, depending on your personal preference. They have a soft and fluffy texture with a subtle flavor that pairs well with various sauces or dips. You can serve them with a side of vegan mayonnaise, tahini sauce, or a tangy tomato-based dip.
You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add extra flavor to the Matzo balls. Whether served in a flavorful soup or enjoyed as the star of the show, Matzo balls are delightful and healthy.
Where Do Matzo Balls Come From?
Matzo balls are believed to have originated as a key ingredient in Matzo ball soup. These delicious dumplings were traditionally created as a way to make the soup heartier and more filling.
Matzo ball soup holds a special place in Jewish cuisine, particularly during the Passover, or Pesach holiday.
During the week-long Passover observance, it’s customary to abstain from eating leavened bread, which is why Matzo becomes a staple.
Matzo ball soup is traditionally enjoyed during the Passover Seder, a ceremonial meal held on the first two nights of Passover. The matzo balls in the soup symbolize the unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites during their hasty departure from Egypt. The soup itself represents nourishment and sustenance during their journey.
Matzo ball soup is an excellent example of how integral food is in connecting people to their culture and heritage. Trying traditional dishes like this Matzo soup is a lovely way to respect and embrace different cultures and heritage through food.
Is Matzo Meal Vegan?
One of the great things about Matzo balls is that Matzo meal, the main ingredient, is generally naturally vegan-friendly! You can find Matzo meal at most grocery stores or online at most health or cultural stores.
Traditional Matzo meal is made from flour and water, without the inclusion of any animal products.
However, before purchasing any Matzo meal, be sure to check the ingredient list, as some commercial brands may add additional ingredients, such as eggs, to their Matzo meal, so it’s crucial to check for any animal-based ingredients.
Are Matzo Balls Vegan?
While Matzo meal, the main ingredient in Matzo balls, is vegan, unfortunately, traditional Matzo balls are not vegan.
Traditionally, Matzo balls are made with Matzo meal, eggs, and fat, often chicken fat. However, Matzo balls can be made vegan by using plant-based ingredients and a few simple tweaks.
Vegan Matzo balls typically replace eggs with ingredients like flax seed eggs or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as binders. In this vegan recipe, we suggest using flax seeds as the main egg replacer.
Instead of using animal fat, vegetable oils or plant-based margarine can be used.
By making these simple substitutions, Matzo balls become completely vegan, while still maintaining their desired texture and flavor.
Matzo Balls vs Matzo Crackers
Whether you’ve tried them or not, you’ve likely spotted Matzo Crackers at most grocery stores.
While they’re not quite the same as Matzo Balls, Matzo Crackers are also made from Matzo meal.
While they share a common ingredient, Matzo meal, Matzo balls, and Matzo crackers offer distinct culinary experiences and are enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Matzo balls are soft and fluffy dumplings, while matzo crackers are thin, crisp, and resemble large crackers. Matzo crackers are typically baked at high temperatures to achieve a crisp texture, while Matzo balls are boiled until they become light and airy.
Matzo crackers are often enjoyed as a snack, used as a base for toppings like spreads or cheeses, or incorporated into various recipes. If you’d like to maximize your Matzo intake, you can lather the Matzo crackers in vegan butter and dip them into the vegan Matzo ball soup!
What Do You Add to a Vegan Matzo Ball Soup?
Vegan Matzo ball soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that captures the essence of its traditional counterpart while using plant-based ingredients.
The soup starts with a flavorful vegetable broth simmered with aromatic vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. These ingredients infuse the broth with depth and richness.
The star of the show, the Matzo balls, are made with a combination of Matzo meal, chickpea flour, herbs, and spices. As the Matzo balls cook, they absorb the flavors of the surrounding soup, becoming even more irresistible.
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, to add a burst of freshness.
Recipe Frequently Asked Question
Before you put your chef’s hat on and whip up a delicious bowl of Matzo Ball Soup, here are a few important notes to keep in mind.
Can I make the Matzo balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Matzo balls ahead of time, which is a great time-saving hack!
After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook them. When you’re ready to serve the Matzo Ball soup, simply drop the chilled Matzo balls into the simmering broth and cook them according to the recipe instructions.
Can I freeze the Matzo balls?
Yes, you can freeze the matzo balls for future use. After cooking and cooling the Matzo balls, arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they firm up.
Once they’re frozen, transfer the Matzo balls to an airtight container or freezer bag.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw the Matzo balls in the refrigerator and reheat them in a fresh pot of vegan soup.
Can I use store-bought vegetable broth for the soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought vegetable broth can be a convenient option.
However, if you prefer to make your own, you can simmer vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and herbs in water to create a homemade vegetable broth. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Can I make gluten-free Matzo balls?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Matzo balls by using a gluten-free Matzo meal or a combination of gluten-free flours. Be sure to follow a gluten-free Matzo ball recipe or adapt a traditional recipe to ensure the right texture and binding properties.
What kind of spices can I add to the Matzo balls for extra flavor?
The great thing about Matzo balls is that you can get as creative as you would like with the spices to add a delicious flavor.
The spices and herbs most commonly used to make Matzo balls include garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, dried dill, or dried parsley.
You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, cumin, turmeric, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Feel free to adjust the level of spices to your taste preferences, and don’t be afraid to explore different combinations to create your own unique flavor twist. Just remember to start with small amounts and taste the mixture as you go, adjusting as needed, to ensure a balanced and enjoyable flavor in your Matzo balls.
Can I add a Vegan Protein to this Soup?
The only thing missing from this recipe is a vegan protein, but don’t let that stop you from adding one of your choice.
Traditionally Matzo ball soup is enjoyed as a vegetable soup with a chicken broth, or with added chicken.
For this vegan recipe, you can add a vegan chicken alternative that you like, tofu, chickpeas, or soy pieces.
How To Make the Best Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
Get ready to enjoy light and fluffy Matzo balls, floating in a comforting and aromatic vegetable broth. This recipe is healthy, filling, and ‘souper’ easy to make!
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 20 to 30 minutes
Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Matzo Balls:
1 cup Matzo meal
1/4 cup chickpea flour
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (you can add additional salt if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
6 tablespoons water
For the Soup:
8 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 large carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can also add any other fresh vegetables of your choosing
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax seed and water to make the flax egg. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.
Be careful not to add too much water to the Matzo meal mixture, as it will change the consistency.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Matzo meal, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, and black pepper, as well as any other spices or herbs you would like to add to make the Matzo ball mixture. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Next, add the olive oil, vegetable broth, flax seed egg, and chopped parsley to the dry mixture. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined, forming a thick and sticky dough.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This is an important step, as chilling the mixture will make it easier to shape the Matzo balls.
- While the Matzo mixture chills, start preparing the soup base. In a large stock pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Next, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the veggie broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you would like, you can also add an additional cup of boiling water to the broth.
- While the soup is simmering, remove the Matzo ball dough from the refrigerator. Moisten your hands with water, and roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Remember, wetting your hands prevents the dough from sticking.
- Carefully drop the 1-inch balls into the simmering soup, making sure they are submerged. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. The Matzo balls will float to the top and become light and fluffy, which is how you know you’ve made the perfect Matzo balls!
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup and season well with fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Ladle the warm and aromatic vegan Matzo ball soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving contains a generous amount of Matzo balls and vegetables.
This tasty vegan soup is best served hot and with a garnish like fresh parsley or additional dill. As with any good soup, vegan Matzo ball soup is best enjoyed with a side of generously buttered, crusty fresh bread.
This vegan soup also tastes just as good the next day, in case you have any leftovers.
Make this Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
With its aromatic broth, tender vegetables, and pillowy Matzo balls, this vegan Matzo ball soup is a comforting and satisfying bowl of goodness that will warm you up and tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re preparing for the Jewish holidays and tweaking some beloved cultural foods, or just love a good bowl of soup, trust us, this Matzo ball soup will not disappoint.
