Matzoth Meal Kleis, No. 2 Recipe

Matzoth Meal is one of the essential ingredients in traditional Jewish cuisine, particularly during Passover. It is made from ground matzah, which is unleavened bread made from wheat flour and water. Matzoth Meal Kleis, also known as Matzo Balls, is a classic dish that is often served in chicken soup during Passover. This recipe, Matzoth Meal Kleis No. 2, features small balls made from matzoth meal that are cooked in boiling soup until they are soft and fluffy.

Historically, Matzoth Meal Kleis has been a staple in Jewish households for centuries. Passover is a significant holiday in Judaism, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. During this time, strict dietary restrictions are observed, and leavened products, such as bread, are avoided. Matzoth meal and matzo balls became popular substitutes during Passover, creating a unique and delicious addition to the traditional matzo-based menu.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Matzoth Meal Kleis, No. 2:

Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of chicken schmalz (rendered chicken fat)
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 egg
- Flour for dusting
- Chopped parsley, to taste
- Ginger, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Matzoth meal, as needed

Instructions:
1. Start by beating the chicken schmalz until it becomes pale and white. This will help incorporate air into the fat, giving the matzo balls a lighter texture.

2. In a separate bowl, pour one cup of boiling water over one egg. Whisk the egg and water together until well-combined.

3. Add the egg mixture to the beaten chicken schmalz and stir well to combine the ingredients.

4. Next, add the flour, seasoning, chopped parsley, ginger, pepper, and salt to the mixture. The exact amounts of these ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

5. Begin adding the matzoth meal gradually to the mixture. The matzoth meal should be added until the dough reaches a consistency that can be easily formed into small balls. The size of the balls should be around the size of a marble.

6. Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking, then take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the formed matzo balls onto a plate or baking sheet.

7. In a large pot, bring salted water or chicken soup to a boil. Carefully drop the matzo balls into the boiling soup and cook for about fifteen minutes. The boiling time may vary, so it's recommended to do a test by cooking one matzo ball separately in boiling water. If it starts to fall apart, it is an indication that more matzoth meal should be added to the dough to give it more structure.

8. Once cooked, the matzo balls will be soft and fluffy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the soup and transfer them to a serving bowl. Serve them hot alongside the chicken soup or any other dish of your choice.

Now, let's explore some fun facts about Matzoth Meal Kleis:

- Matzoth meal used in this recipe is made from matzah, a central element in Passover observance. When bread is not allowed, matzah takes its place, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time to let their bread rise.

- Matzo balls are often referred to as "Jewish penicillin" due to their comforting and healing properties. They are believed to have originated as a remedy for illnesses and are now enjoyed as a beloved comfort food.

- Traditional matzo balls are made with matzah meal, but various versions have emerged over time, including those made with matzah cake meal, which results in lighter and fluffier balls.

- Matzo balls can vary in texture from dense and chewy to light and airy, depending on how long they are cooked. Some prefer firmer matzo balls, while others enjoy them lighter and more delicate.

Now that you've mastered the recipe for Matzoth Meal Kleis, No. 2, you can explore other dishes that incorporate matzo meal. Some delicious examples include Matzo Brei, a dish made by mixing crumbled matzo with eggs and frying it until golden brown, and Matzo Kugel, a savory or sweet casserole made with matzo, eggs, and various other ingredients.

Enjoy the culinary journey through Jewish cuisine and the rich flavors of matzo-based dishes!