Imagine a warm bowl of comfort brimming with fluffy matzo balls and fragrant broth that wraps you in a cozy embrace. That’s exactly what you get with Vegan Matzo Ball Soup. This delightful dish is a beautiful blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures, where the light and airy matzo balls float in a rich vegetable broth, enriched with fresh herbs and spices.
Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, there’s something heartwarming about serving this soup. The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly quick and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, you’ll discover how to create a comforting Vegan Matzo Ball Soup that brings the essence of tradition into a plant-based dish. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
This comforting bowl of goodness is not only delicious but also packed with benefits that make it a must-try for everyone!
- Comfort food at its finest — This soup delivers the warm, cozy vibes you crave, making it perfect for chilly nights.
- Quick to prepare — Whip up a hearty meal in just 30 minutes, ideal for those on the go.
- Kid-approved — With its delightful flavors and fun matzo balls, it’s a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Healthy and wholesome — Loaded with vegetables and plant-based goodness, it’s a nutritious option for the whole family.
- One-pot meal — Enjoy minimal cleanup while savoring a delicious, satisfying meal from a single pot.
- Impressive for guests — Serve this elegant dish at gatherings and watch it steal the show, enhancing your culinary reputation.
- Versatile and customizable — Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
For the Matzo Balls
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted margarine)
- 1/4 cup water (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
For the Soup
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Medium saucepan (for simmering soup)
- Large pot (for cooking matzo balls)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon (for removing matzo balls)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Soup ladle
- Immersion blender (optional but helpful for smooth soup texture)
How to Make Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
Prepare the Matzo Ball Mixture
- Mix the matzo meal. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of matzo meal and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients. Whisk together 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl. Combine with the matzo meal mixture.
- Incorporate the aquafaba. Add 1/4 cup of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to the mix. Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Chill the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the matzo balls to firm up and hold their shape.
Prepare the Soup
- Heat the broth. In a large pot, pour in 8 cups (2 liters) of vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Add vegetables. Chop 2 large carrots, 2 celery stalks, and half an onion. Add these to the simmering broth and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the soup. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Allow the flavors to meld for an additional 5 minutes.
Form and Cook the Matzo Balls
- Form the matzo balls. With wet hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the chilled matzo mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Cook the matzo balls. Carefully drop the formed matzo balls into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let them cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they expand and float to the surface.
Serve the Soup
- Garnish and serve. Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added flavor.
- Enjoy immediately. Serve the soup warm and savor the comforting flavors of this vegan matzo ball soup!
Tips for the Best Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
- Use cold water for the matzo balls — This helps maintain their structure and keeps them from becoming too dense. Chill your dough before forming the balls.
- Don’t skip the resting time — Allow the matzo ball mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This aids in firming them up for better cooking results.
- Opt for high-quality vegetable broth — The flavor of your soup will greatly depend on the broth. Choose a brand or homemade version rich in taste to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Experiment with herbs — Fresh dill, thyme, or parsley can add a delightful twist to your soup. Add these herbs both to the broth and the matzo ball mixture for an aromatic boost.
- Avoid overcooking the matzo balls — Once they float to the top, let them simmer for only an additional 5-7 minutes. Overcooking can result in mushy balls.
- Make it ahead — You can prepare the matzo balls a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and add them to the broth right before serving.
Variations to Try
- Spicy version — Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the matzo ball mix for a mild kick.
- Mushroom medley — Sauté mushrooms to add to the soup for a heartier texture and umami flavor.
- Greens boost — Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for added nutrition and color.
- Tofu addition — Include cubed, firm tofu in the broth for an extra protein source and a satisfying bite.
How to Store Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
Room Temperature: Vegan Matzo Ball Soup is best enjoyed fresh. If left out, it can be kept at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure the matzo balls are kept in the broth to maintain their texture.
Freezer: The soup freezes well. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be kept for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
For best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, use the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Make the matzo balls the day before and keep them separate until ready to serve for optimal texture.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving. Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
| Serving Size | 1 bowl (about 2 cups) |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chickpea flour instead of matzo meal?
Yes, you can substitute chickpea flour for matzo meal in this recipe to make a gluten-free version. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious results.
How can I make this soup nut-free?
This vegan matzo ball soup is naturally nut-free, but if using store-bought matzo meal or broth, ensure they don’t contain any nut-based ingredients. Always check labels for any hidden allergens.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup, but it’s best to freeze the matzo balls separately to retain their texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or halved. Just ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume.
My matzo balls turned out too dense; what did I do wrong?
Dense matzo balls may result from overmixing or not allowing the batter to rest. Make sure to mix gently and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
What can I serve with this vegan matzo ball soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or whole-grain bread for a hearty meal. You could also add some vegan challah for a traditional touch!
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for best results, make the matzo balls right before serving to maintain their texture.
How can I spice up the flavor of the soup?
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also toss in some sautéed garlic or shallots for a richer taste.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Matzo Ball Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s both comforting and nourishing, making it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Its simplicity allows you to whip it up effortlessly, while the flavors and textures will surely impress even the pickiest eaters.
We encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the heartwarming satisfaction it brings. When you do, drop a comment below to share your thoughts and rating! Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends or on social media — everyone deserves a taste of this delicious comfort food!