Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) Matzo meal
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) or neutral oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Seltzer water
- 1 tsp (5g) Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) Black pepper
- 2 tbsp (10g) Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 8 cups (2L) Chicken bone broth
- 2 large Carrots
- 2 stalks Celery
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 lb (450g) Bone-in chicken thighs
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, schmaltz, seltzer, salt, pepper, and dill until just blended.
- Stir in the matzo meal slowly until a thick, wet paste forms. Note: Don't overwork it or you'll lose the air from the seltzer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the meal fully hydrates.
- In your stockpot, brown the chicken thighs over medium high heat until the skin is golden and sizzle starts to fade.
- Add the broth, onion, and half the carrots and celery. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- With wet hands, gently roll the matzo mixture into 1 inch balls. Note: Wet hands prevent the sticky dough from clinging to your palms.
- Carefully drop the balls into the simmering broth.
- Cover the pot tightly and simmer for 40 minutes until the balls are doubled in size and floating. Note: Do not open the lid during this time!
- Add the remaining carrots and celery 15 minutes before the end until they yield to a fork.
- Ladle into bowls, ensuring each person gets a piece of chicken and two fluffy balls.