Matzo ball soup is an iconic dish of Eastern European Jewish food culture, and it has found its way into the hearts and stomachs of many around the world.
Paired with hearty broth and fluffy matzo balls, this savory soup can often be found on restaurant menus and in family kitchens.
If you’re looking to expand your menu for any upcoming dinner parties or holiday gatherings, then adding a simple side dish to accompany Matzo ball soup is an easy way to do so!
Read on for what to serve with matzo ball soup that will please even the pickiest eaters.
What Is Matzo Ball Soup?
Jewish custom dictates that matzo balls, unleavened dough balls typically formed with matzo meal, water, oil, and eggs, be used to make matzo ball soup.
The matzo balls can be served in either a clear or chicken broth.
Matzo ball soup is most commonly eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover as it is a leaven-free food, but it can also be enjoyed anytime.
The soup is usually served with carrots, celery, and any other vegetables of your choice.
Matzo balls can also be eaten on their own or in other dishes, such as matzo ball casseroles.
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting soup that is easy to make and full of flavor, Matzo ball soup is worth a try!
What To Serve With Matzo Ball Soup?
Matzo ball soup is a classic Jewish dish that can be served as a starter or main course.
To make the meal even more flavorful, it’s great to serve dishes that will complement the unique flavor of matzo balls.
Here are some suggestions for what to serve with matzo ball soup.
Grilled Fish
Grilled Fish is a popular seafood dish consisting of fish fillets or steaks seasoned and cooked over an open flame, usually on a grill.
It can be made with any type of fish, but some of the most common varieties used for grilling include salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod, and flounder.
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Grilled Fish is a healthy, protein-rich dish that can be served in various ways.
The pairing of Grilled Fish with Matzo Ball Soup is an iconic combination popularized by Jewish cuisine and culture.
The savory flavors of the soup pair perfectly with the light, flaky texture of grilled fish to create a delicious culinary experience.
Furthermore, the pairing is a balanced combination of proteins and carbohydrates that contributes to a healthy diet.
Grilled Fish with Matzo Ball Soup is a classic dish for special occasions or everyday meals.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a popular side dish that can accompany many dishes, including matzo ball soup.
Roasting is a dry cooking technique that uses high heat to caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetable, giving them a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Roasted vegetables have an inviting color and texture and pair nicely with the rich flavor of matzo ball soup.
It also provides additional nutrients and fiber to the meal.
When served with matzo ball soup, the roasted vegetables bring out the full flavor, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.
Roasted vegetables are also easy to customize with spices and herbs you like, making it a great way to add variety to your meal.
Spinach Salad
Spinach salad is a side dish or starter made from fresh spinach leaves dressed in a simple vinaigrette.
It can be served with anything but pairs well with matzo ball soup.
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The combination provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures; the crunchy elements of the salad contrast nicely with the softness of the matzo balls.
The tangy flavor of the vinaigrette also balances out the soup’s richness, making for an enjoyable meal.
Spinach salad is also a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals; spinach is packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, and Vitamin A.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a mix of fresh or canned fruits, typically with sweetener and sometimes spices added. It can be served as dessert or as part of a meal.
The combination of fruit salad and matzo ball soup is particularly popular in Jewish cuisine due to its symbolism in the Passover tradition.
Matzo balls represent hope, while the colorful fruits in the salad represent prosperity.
Together, they make a dish that celebrates both hope and abundance. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a tasty treat for all!
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to matzo ball soup.
Mashed potatoes are a simple dish made by boiling and mixing ingredients such as potatoes, butter, milk, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley or other herbs.
The result is a creamy side dish that provides texture and flavor to any meal.
The combination of the creamy mashed potatoes and the flavorful matzo ball soup creates a comforting, savory meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Biscuits
Biscuits are small, round cakes that can be made from a variety of ingredients, including butter, flour, baking powder, sugar, and spices.
They can either be sweet or savory in flavor. Often served as a side dish to soups or stews, biscuits provide contrast due to their crunchy texture and rich flavor.
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Matzo ball soup is typically served with fluffy, buttery biscuits that complement the rich flavors of the soup.
Adding crisp biscuits to a bowl of matzo ball soup adds texture and contrast to the creamy soup, making it a comforting and delicious meal.
Biscuits can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with butter, jam, honey, or cheese. They make for a quick and easy way to satisfy hunger while adding flavor to any dish.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a dish of cooked rice mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes nuts. It can be served as a main course or side dish and can be flavored in countless different ways.
Rice pilaf is typically served alongside matzo ball soup because the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
The creamy texture of the soup, cut through by the aromatic, crunchy rice pilaf, creates a balanced and flavorful combination that will surely please.
Rice pilaf can be served hot or cold and can be tailored to individual tastes with various herbs and spices. It is a great way to add flavor to any meal.
Whether you’re serving it as an accompaniment to matzo ball soup or as a main course dish, rice pilaf will surely please.
Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is an American classic, it is a type of pastry pie made with a sweet filling of syrup, sugar and pecans.
It is usually served as part of a meal or as a dessert in the United States.
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Pecan Pie is traditionally served with matzo ball soup because matzo ball soup is considered a comfort food.
The pairing of the two dishes offers a combination of sweet and savory flavors which complement each other.
Furthermore, the nutty flavor of pecans complements the chicken broth in matzo ball soup, creating an interesting balance of tastes.
This dish is also popular during festivals such as Christmas and Thanksgiving when family and friends come together to share a meal.
Pecan Pie and matzo ball soup is an excellent way to end a festive dinner.
FAQs
What To Serve With Matzo Ball Soup As A Main Dish?
There are plenty of delicious options if you’re looking for a main dish to serve alongside matzo ball soup.
Roasted chicken, beef brisket, and grilled salmon are all classic choices that pair nicely with the savory flavors of matzo ball soup.
You can also opt for more modern takes on traditional dishes such as shrimp and stir-fry or roasted vegetable quinoa.
For a vegetarian option, try a hearty bean or lentil dish.
Is Matzo Ball Soup Healthy?
Yes, Matzo Ball Soup is a healthy option.
It contains plenty of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to include more vegetables in their diets.
Can Matzo Ball Soup Be Served As A Main Course?
Yes, Matzo Ball Soup can be served as a main course.
It is usually served as an appetizer, but many recipes include larger pieces of chicken and vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with matzo ball soup. Matzo ball soup is a traditional Jewish dish, usually served as part of a meal or as comfort food.
It can be paired with other dishes to bring out the flavors of the soup and create interesting combinations.
Mashed potatoes, biscuits, rice pilaf and pecan pie, are all delicious accompaniments to matzo ball soup that provide contrasting flavors and textures.
They create a flavorful, comforting meal that celebrates hope and abundance. Enjoy this classic combination of dishes for any special occasion or a cozy night.