A Comforting, Glamorous Classic That’s As Iconic As Carrie’s Closet

Whether it’s Miranda needing comfort after a breakup or Charlotte meeting Harry’s mom, matzo ball soup is more than just broth—it’s Jewish soul food, a deli staple, and a rite of passage for any Upper East Side brunch date. This version stays true to tradition: fluffy matzo balls floating in golden chicken broth, dotted with tender carrots, celery, and the kind of warmth that says “you’ll be okay.” It’s simple, timeless, and just a little fabulous—just like the show.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the matzo balls

• 1 cup matzo meal
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup schmaltz (chicken fat) or neutral oil
• ¼ cup chicken broth or seltzer water
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder

For the soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil or schmaltz
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1.5 litres chicken broth (6 cups)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the matzo meal, eggs, schmaltz or oil, broth, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—do not overwork. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes so the matzo meal can hydrate.

Meanwhile, in a soup pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots and celery, cooking until just tender, about 5–7 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and season to taste.

Form the chilled matzo mixture into golf ball-sized balls with wet hands. Gently drop them into a pot of simmering salted water (not the soup base yet), cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes—they will expand and float when done.

Transfer the cooked matzo balls into the broth, simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors, and finish with chopped dill or parsley.

Cooking Tips

Use seltzer water for extra fluffy matzo balls, and always chill the dough—this prevents them from falling apart. Cooking the matzo balls in water (not the soup) keeps the broth clear and refined. For extra depth, simmer the broth with a leftover roast chicken carcass or a dash of white wine. And for full-on Sex and the City vibes, serve with a toasted bagel, bold lipstick, and your favorite ex texting at the wrong time.