Mama K's World Famous Matza Balls

[Swisskaese]

Mama K's World Famous Matza Balls

Serves 45.

This recipe has been handed down from generation to generation in my family. It is Westphalian and Alsatian. If you are afraid of using chicken fat, try half chicken fat and half olive oil.

• 14 Matzos
  
• 2 Med. White Onions, chopped coarsely
  
• 3/4 c Melted Chicken Fat and/or goose fat (do not substitute)
  
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
  
• 1/2 c fresh Parsley, chopped
  
• 1 tsp Salt
  
• 1/2 tsp powdered ginger
  
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
  
• 7 Eggs, lightly beaten w/ fork
  
• 1/8 c Matzo Meal
  
• Additional Matzo Meal for rolling
  

Break Matzos into chunks and put into a colander placed in sink. Run water over the colander until the matzo is moist, but not water logged. Let the water drain and let stand for one to two minutes. (Can be put into plastic bag and kept overnight in the refrigerator.)

Brown onions in melted fat in large heavy roasting pan over medium heat until "real brown" Add Matzos and stir gently frequently. Most of the moisture has to evaporate. If mixture sticks to bottom, put lid on a few minutes to soften. Add Salt, Pepper, Parsley & Nutmeg. Cool until no more steam comes off, check if cool enough so eggs won't cook, and add eggs. Gently stir in Matzo Meal.

Test the first matzo ball by placing in boiling water. Test that it maintains it shape and taste to check if more salt, pepper and nutmeg should be added.

Place thick layer of meal on foil-lined cookie sheet. Use spoons or scoop to make balls, rolling very carefully into golf ball size, using as little pressure as possible. Place on cookie sheet and roll in meal. If you prefer, wet your hands and roll in palm, but this requires scraping off hands and re-wetting frequently. Discard excess matzo meal. Leave on sheet in refrigerator, covered with wax paper, or freeze on sheet before packing in bags for freezer. They can be kept in the freezer for 3 months.

Bring chicken soup to a boil and add Matzo Balls (after they have been brought to room temperature) a few at a time. When they rise to the top, put the lid on the soup for 5 minutes. Serve and say AAHHHH loudly with each bite.

Keywords: Kosher, Soup, Lunch, Intermediate, Dinner, Passover, Jewish, Chicken

( RG1226 )