Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• pound ground chicken
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• cup matzo meal
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 10 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked rice

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Place the 8 eggs into the boiling water and cook them for one minute. Remove the pot from the heat and let the eggs sit for 15 minutes.
2. Once the eggs have cooled, peel off the shells. Remove the egg whites (you can save them or discard them), and chop the yolks into small pieces.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, beaten egg, matzo meal, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs and place them in the refrigerator to chill until ready to cook.
5. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rice and the prepared chicken meatballs.
6. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice and meatballs are fully cooked.
7. Serve the soup by ladling it into bowls and garnishing each with the chopped hard-boiled egg yolks. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	368
Total Fat	9g (11%)
Saturated Fat	2g (12%)
Cholesterol	209mg (70%)
Sodium	1207mg (52%)
Total Carbohydrate	55g (20%)
Dietary Fiber	4g (13%)
Total Sugars	11g
Protein	19g (38%)
Vitamin C	4mg (4%)
Calcium	82mg (6%)
Iron	4mg (21%)
Potassium	366mg (8%)

History and Origins

Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings, also known as "Matzo Ball Soup" in many Jewish communities, has its roots in the Jewish tradition of celebrating Passover. This soup is often served during the Seder meal, a ceremonial dinner marking the beginning of the Passover holiday, which celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The matzo meal used in the dumplings is a key ingredient during Passover since leavened bread is forbidden. Over the years, variations of this soup have evolved, incorporating different meats and vegetables, but its significance as a symbol of Jewish culinary traditions remains unchanged.

Regional Variations

The Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings is traditionally served in Jewish households worldwide, but there are regional variations. In Eastern European countries like Poland and Russia, the matzo ball soup is a staple during Passover, often made with chicken fat to enhance its flavor. In the United States, it has become a common feature in Jewish-American cuisine, with variations like adding vegetables or using turkey in place of chicken. The key characteristic of the soup, however, remains the matzo balls, which are made from matzo meal, eggs, and fat, providing a light yet hearty texture when cooked in the flavorful chicken broth.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings stands out from other types of chicken soups due to the inclusion of matzo meal dumplings. While regular chicken soup might include noodles, rice, or vegetables as the primary component, the matzo balls are the defining feature of this dish. The texture of the dumplings, which can range from light and fluffy to dense, adds a unique character to the soup. Additionally, the use of chicken fat in the broth and the focus on keeping the ingredients kosher for Passover differentiates it from other more general chicken soups.

Where It's Typically Served

This dish is typically served during the Passover holiday, especially during the Seder meal. It is often enjoyed by Jewish families around the world as part of the festive meal that commemorates the exodus from Egypt. While it can be found in Jewish homes, it is also served at many Jewish delis, restaurants, and catering services that specialize in Jewish cuisine. In Israel, a version of this soup with chicken dumplings is often served as a comforting dish during the colder months. Its popularity during the Passover holiday, however, makes it especially symbolic for Jewish communities.

Interesting Facts

• Matzo meal, the key ingredient in the dumplings, is made from ground unleavened bread and is a key element of Passover dishes.
• Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings is often seen as a symbol of Jewish heritage and culinary history.
• In some Jewish families, the size of the matzo balls is a matter of great debatesome prefer large, fluffy matzo balls, while others prefer smaller, firmer ones.
• While traditionally served with chicken, variations of this soup can include other proteins like turkey or beef.
• The dish is also enjoyed as a comfort food, particularly during Jewish holidays or family gatherings.

FAQ about Passover Soup with Chicken Dumplings Recipe

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