Knaidlach Matzo Balls Recipes

FLUFFY KNEIDLACH

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate batter for one hour minimum.
• Fill a four-quart pot three-fourths full with water and bring to a boil. Add two tablespoons salt. With wet hands, form kneidel mixture into balls and place in boiling water. (If hands get sticky, dip in water.)
• Boil kneidlach for 20 minutes, then drain in colander.

KNAIDLACH (MATZO BALLS)

Steps:

• 1. Crack eggs into a large bowl and beat with a fork to mix thoroughly. Beat in the schmaltz, salt, pepper and baking powder. Stir in matzo meal, then mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until completely blended and very stiff. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• 2. Fill a large pot 3/4 full of water and add 1 tablespoon salt, bring to a boil. Wet hands with cold water so the batter doesn't stick, shape a bit of mixture into balls the size of ping-pong ball. They will double in size when cooked. Gently place in boiling water, decrease heat so that water simmers briskly and cover pot. Cook for 25 minutes, don't remove lid. Remove balls from water and serve with the chicken soup.

NEVER-FAIL KNAIDLACH - MATZO BALLS

Steps:

• 1. Beat eggs with salt and pepper. Add oil and water. Stir in matzo meal and parsley. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• 2. In a large pot, bring 4-5 quarts of salted water to boil. With wet or oily hands, form walnut-size balls and drop into boiling water. Cook for 25 minutes uncovered or partially covered.
• 3. Remove with a slotted spoon.

KNAIDLACH

Steps:

• Beat the eggs lightly with cold water. Add the chicken fat and stir until the fat dissolves. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.
• Gradually beat in the matzoh meal, 2 tablespoons at a time, proceeding slowly as it thickens so you do not add too much. The mixture should be as thick as light mashed potatoes, and just a little soft and spongy. Add salt and pepper as needed. Chill for 5 to 7 hours.
• Half an hour before serving time, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add a handful of salt, as for pasta.
• With wet hands, or two tablespoons dipped intermittently in cold water, shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Drop gently into the boiling water, cover pot loosely, and let boil at a moderately brisk pace for about 25 minutes.
• When one ball tests done (cut it open and see if it is light and cooked all the way through), remove all carefully with a slotted spoon. Serve in hot chicken soup.
• Variation:
• To make fried matzoh balls, chill the cooked balls overnight. In the morning, cut into slices between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick and fry slowly in hot butter or margarine, turning so both sides become golden brown and the slices are thoroughly heated.

CHICKEN KNEIDLACH (CHICKEN MATZO BALLS)

Steps:

• Combine the ground chicken, egg whites, egg yolks, matzo meal, cold water and sugar in a large bowl.
• The best way to get it all mixed up is to use your (clean) hands.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Chill, covered, for 15 minutes.
• Fill a large pot with water (I use a 9 quart pot with about 8 quarts of water in it to cook all the kneidlach at once).
• Bring the water to a rolling boil.
• If you like, you can toss a bouillon cube into the pot for flavoring, or add any spices you might like.
• I usually toss in some paprika and salt.
• Remove the bowl from the fridge.
• Wet your hands with water.
• Form the knedilach mixture into 36 balls about 1 1/2 inch in diameter.
• Always make sure your hands are wet so the dough doesn't stick.
• Drop the kneidlach into the boiling water.
• Half cover the pot and turn the flame down so the kneidlach are simmering in the water.
• Let them simmer for about 45 minutes.
• Turn off the heat.
• With a slotted spoon, remove the kneidlach.
• They are now ready to be added to your soup.