One of my favorite comfort foods is matzo ball soup. It’s the perfect dish for a winter night or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a dish that reminds me of my childhood and always makes me feel better, no matter what.
Look no further if you’re looking for the perfect sides to serve with your matzo ball soup! Here are some of my favorites.
19 Great Dishes to Serve with Matzo Ball Soup
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These crispy little roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect side to any meal, but they pair especially well with matzo ball soup.
The savory flavor of the roasted Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the broth-based soup, and the crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft matzo balls.
2. Apple Cranberry Salad
This bright and tart apple cranberry salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the matzo ball soup.
The sweetness of the apples and cranberries is a nice contrast to the savory broth, and the crunchy walnuts add a nice bit of texture.
3. Simple Green Salad
A simple green salad might seem like an odd choice for a side dish for Matzah balls, but I promise it’s a good one!
The freshness of the greens allows for cutting through the soup’s richness, and the vinaigrette’s acidity helps brighten up all the flavors. Trust me, this is one side dish you won’t want to skip!
4. Roasted Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes perfectly complement matzo ball soup. They add a touch of sweetness and heartiness to the soup without overpowering it.
Simply toss your vegetables with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast them in a 400-degree oven until they’re tender and lightly browned.
5. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a good idea, but it’s especially delicious when served alongside a bowl of Matzah ball soup.
The garlic and butter in the bread will add richness to the soup, while the crusty bread will soak up all of the delicious broth. Yum!
6. Sautéed Greens
Sautéed greens are the perfect way to add color and nutrients to your meal. Matzo ball soup can be heavy on starch, so it’s nice to balance it with healthy greens.
Kale, chard, and spinach all work well here. Just sauté them in olive oil with some garlic until they’re wilted, and serve them alongside your soup.
7. Quinoa salad
Try serving your matzo ball soup with a quinoa salad for something light and fresh. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs beautifully with the broth-based soup, and adding veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley will brighten things up.
Season your salad with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Roasted Meat
The classic flavor of roasted chicken pairs perfectly with the savory broth of matzo ball soup. Also, beef or lamb make a fantastic addition to matzo ball soup.
The hearty protein pairs perfectly with the rich broth and satisfying dumplings.
9. Latkes
Potato latkes are a traditional Hanukkah dish that pairs perfectly with matzo ball soup. Serve them alongside the Matzah soup for a delicious and traditional meal.
Read More- 16 Complementary Dishes to Serve with Borscht Soup
10. Grilled salmon
If you’re searching for something a bit fancier, try pairing your matzo ball soup with some grilled salmon. The rich flavor of the fish will complement the soup perfectly.
11. Pickled Vegetables
Add some brightness and acidity to the soup with pickled vegetables like cucumber, carrot, or radish. Serve them on the side or top the soup for an extra flavor boost.
12. Challah bread
Don’t forget the challah bread, no matter what you’re serving with your matzo ball soup! This eggy and fluffy bread is ideal for mopping up the delicious broth from the soup.
Serve it warm, sliced thickly, for the ultimate comfort food experience.
14. ApplePie
What goes better with Jewish food than apple pie? Serve a slice (or two) of this classic dessert alongside your matzo ball soup, and enjoy!
15. Apple Strudel
Make your meal complete with this classic dessert! For a truly decadent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Read More- 19 Perfect Sides to Serve with Octopus with ideal sauces
16. Chicken liver pate
This creamy and decadent pate is a delicious way to add some richness to the soup. Serve it on crackers or bread for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
17. Vegetarian chili
This hearty chili is perfect for those who are looking for a meat-free option to pair with their matzo ball soup.
18. Kugel
Kugel is a traditional Jewish noodle pudding that makes a delicious side dish for matzo ball soup.
19. Crusty Rolls
Last but not least, we have crusty rolls. These are ideal for soaking up all that delicious broth!
Choose a high-quality roll for the best results; this is not the time to skimp on ingredients. Slice open the rolls and serve them warm alongside your matzo ball soup.
FAQs
What wine goes with matzo ball soup?
The wine should not be too heavy or tannic, as it will overwhelm the delicate flavors of the soup. The wine’s acidity should help cut through the soup’s richness.
White wine is generally the best choice, as it will not overwhelm the delicate flavors of the soup. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will be a good option, or you could even try a sparkling wine.
Chardonnay: This classic white wine is a great option for matzo ball soup. It has a rich flavor that is nicely balanced by its crisp acidity.
Riesling: Riesling is another excellent choice for matzo ball soup. Its sweetness helps cut through the soup’s richness, while its moderate acidity keeps it from being overly sweet.
Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a fragrant white wine with a touch of sweetness. Its floral aromatics complement the flavors of the soup without overwhelming them.
Is Panko the same as a matzo meal?
Panko and matzo meal may look similar, but they are two very different ingredients.
Panko is a breadcrumb made from various dry breads that have been processed into flakes and added with seasonings. It has a light, airy texture that makes it ideal for frying and other cooking types where you want a light, crispy coating.
Conversely, the matzo meal is made from ground matzo crackers. It has a coarser texture and is often used in baked goods or as a thickener for soups and sauces.
In a word, Panko is Breading, whereas matzo meal is flatbread. So while panko and matzo meal may look similar, they are not interchangeable.
What to do with leftover matzo?
Matzo is a type of unleavened bread that is traditionally eaten during Passover. While it is often associated with Jewish cuisine, matzo can be used in various dishes.
Here are some ideas for using up leftover matzo:
-Crush matzo into crumbs and replace them with breadcrumbs in recipes.
-Soak matzo in water and then fry it in oil to create matzo fritters.
-Add chopped matzo to soups or stews for added texture.
-Make a sweet treat by spreading matzo with honey or jam and then topping it with nuts or chocolate chips.
-Make matzo brei, a delicious dish similar to french toast.
-Another idea is to use it as a crust for quiche or shepherd’s pie.
-You can also crumble it up and use it as a topping for salads or soups. Of course, you can always just eat it plain with butter and honey. So next time you have extra matzo, get creative and try one of these delicious ideas.