Skip to main content

Saffron Chicken Broth with Spinach Matzo Balls

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

Saffron chicken broth

6

pounds chicken wings

16

cups water

1

1/2 pounds onions, quartered

6

bay leaves

1

tablespoon coarse kosher salt

1

1/2 teaspoons saffron threads

1

/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Spinach matzo balls

4

large eggs

1

1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

1

/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1

cup unsalted matzo meal

1

10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Saffron chicken broth

    Step 1

    Bring all ingredients to boil in very large pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain broth into another pot. Spoon 1/4 cup fat from top of broth and place in medium bowl; add 1/4 cup broth. Cool fat mixture and reserve for matzo balls. Remove enough meat from chicken wings to measure 1 generous cup. Finely mince chicken; reserve for matzo balls. Chill remaining broth until ready to use. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

  2. matzo balls

    Step 2

    Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper into chicken fat mixture. Mix in matzo meal, then spinach and reserved minced chicken. Cover and chill until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

    Step 3

    Bring large pot of generously salted water to boil. Using wet hands and about 2 tablespoons for each, shape matzo mixture into 16 balls; drop into boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to 13x9x2-inch dish. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead; chill.

    Step 4

    Skim any fat from top of broth; bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked matzo balls; simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes.

    Step 5

    Ladle broth and 2 matzo balls into each of 8 bowls and serve.