LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2023

PLAYING FAVOURITES

Matzo Ball Soup with Spring Vegetables

In this bright spin on a beloved soup, pillowy-soft matzo balls are served in a clear chicken broth with barely cooked green vegetables. Vegetarians can use vegetable oil instead of duck fat and vegetable stock in place of chicken. MATZO BALLS 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted duck fat or vegetable oil 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken stock 1 cup (250 mL) matzo meal 6 green onions (white parts only), sliced on bias, 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick 5 oz (140 g) sugar snap peas, strings removed, cut into 1/2 -inch (1-cm) pieces 4 cups (1 L) loosely packed baby spinach Tarragon leaves to garnish 1. For the matzo balls, whisk eggs, duck fat or oil, baking powder, salt and stock in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. With a spatula, fold in matzo meal until combined. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. 2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. With oiled hands, form a heaping tablespoon of matzo mixture into a ball—it should be about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat until mixture is used up. Carefully add balls one at a time to boiling water. Cover and adjust heat to maintain vigorous simmer. Cook until matzo balls are soft SOUP 8 cups (2 L) chicken stock, preferably homemade Salt to taste

and cooked through, about 35 minutes. (Cut into one to see.) Gently transfer with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet. (Matzo balls can be cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.) 3. For the soup, bring stock to a boil in a large pot. Season with salt. (If the matzo balls were

refrigerated, microwave, partially covered, for 1 minute.) Add matzo balls, green onions, sugar snap peas and spinach. Simmer until vegetables are tender and matzo balls are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with tarragon.

[ WHAT TO SERVE ] Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc LCBO 308288, $19.95 Vibrant acidity balances the flavours of the matzo balls. Sugar snap peas will complement the green notes of the wine.

Serves 6 to 8

42 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2023