About this recipe

A timeless Jewish comfort classic — golden, fragrant chicken broth filled with light, fluffy matzo balls, tender chicken, and sweet vegetables. This well-tested recipe delivers reliably fluffy (not dense!) matzo balls every time, thanks to a few key techniques: chilled fat, rested batter, and a gentle simmer. Perfect for Passover, a cold day, or anytime you need a bowl of something deeply nourishing.

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Cover with 12 cups of ^[cold water]. Bring to a boil ^[over high heat], then immediately skim off the grey foam that rises to the surface using a ladle or wooden spoon. This step is important for a clear, clean-tasting broth — skim for about 5 minutes until the foam subsides.

2. 2

   Add the carrots, celery stalks, large yellow onion halved, skin on for golden color, parsnip (if using), garlic smashed, skin on, flat-leaf parsley sprigs, dill sprigs, black peppercorns, and 2 tsp kosher salt. Reduce the heat to ^[low] so the broth is at a very gentle simmer — you should see only occasional lazy bubbles. A hard boil makes cloudy broth. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

3. 3

   After 2 hours, use tongs to remove the chicken pieces to a cutting board. Let cool until safe to handle, then pull the meat from the bones and shred it. Discard the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside for serving.

4. 4

   Strain the broth through a sieve into a clean pot, pressing lightly on the vegetables. Discard the spent vegetables and herbs. Taste the broth and season generously with kosher salt — a well-seasoned broth makes all the difference. Skim any excess fat from the surface, or reserve it as schmaltz for the matzo balls.

5. 5

   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, schmaltz (or oil / butter), and ¼ cup of the warm broth until well combined. Add the matzo meal, kosher salt, baking powder, black peppercorns, and dill (if using). Stir with a fork until just combined — do not overmix. The batter will look loose and wet, which is correct.

6. 6

   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the matzo ball batter for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours.

7. 7

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Cook the matzo balls in water, not broth — this keeps your broth clear and golden.) Wet your hands with ^[cold water] to prevent sticking. Gently scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per ball and roll into a loose sphere — don't pack or compress them. You should get about 12 balls.

8. 8

   Carefully lower the matzo balls into the boiling water one at a time. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 35–40 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the first 30 minutes — the steam is what makes them puff up and stay fluffy. They are done when they have doubled in size and are cooked through (cut one open to check — no dense center).

9. 9

   While the matzo balls cook, bring the strained broth back to a gentle simmer in its pot. Add the fresh carrots peeled, into coins and sliced celery stalks and simmer for 10–12 minutes until just tender. Add the shredded chicken back to the broth and warm through.

10. 10

    Use a slotted spoon to transfer 2 matzo balls into each bowl. Ladle the hot broth with chicken, carrots, and celery over the top. Garnish generously with fresh dill and flat-leaf parsley. Serve immediately.