Matzo balls are small dumplings made from matzo meal, an unleavened bread product made from flour and water. One of the most popular dishes to feature matzo balls is matzo ball soup.
Unleavened Bread and Passover
Many traditional Jewish dishes come with exciting historical stories, and matzo is certainly no different. During the Exodus, the Jewish people were hurrying to get out of Egypt. They had been preparing bread before it began, and it was then baked without having time to rise. The result was matzo bread. Today, in celebration of Passover, which is also called Chag HaMatzot (the holiday of Matzot), it is customary to eat unleavened bread.Jewish News: Making matzo (April 22, 2005)
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Fast Facts
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Also called matza balls, matzah balls, matzoh balls
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Traditionally known as knaydelach, which is Yiddish for dumplingsJudaism 101: Matzah Ball Soup
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Chicken fat, or schmaltz is traditionally used Larchmont Gazette: My Best Matzo Balls (March 29, 2007)
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In traditional Jewish cooking, butter would not be used because Kosher laws forbid mixing meat and dairy
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Modern recipes often feature olive oil or vegetable oil
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Matzo ball soup often eaten during Passover
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All matzo meal was handmade until about 150 years agoJewish News: Making matzo (April 22, 2005)
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Matzo balls can be prepared from scratch or made from store box mixes
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When making matzo no more then 18 minutes can pass from the time it is mixed until it is finished bakingJewish News: Making matzo (April 22, 2005)
