Chicken noodle soup has long been a favorite comfort food, especially when recovering from illness. Its soothing qualities and simple ingredients have earned it a reputation as a healing dish, especially for colds and respiratory issues. Tonight, I’m enjoying a warm bowl of chicken noodle matzo ball soup, my go-to favorite when I'm feeling under the weather. Let’s dive into why this classic soup is so beneficial, its cultural significance, and how you can make both a traditional and vegetarian version at home.
Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
Hydration and Electrolytes: The broth in chicken noodle soup provides much-needed hydration, which is essential when you’re sick. The sodium in the broth helps restore lost electrolytes, which are vital for maintaining energy levels.
Rich in Nutrients: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports the immune system and muscle recovery. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions provides essential vitamins (like vitamin C) and minerals that help the body recover faster.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help clear mucus in the respiratory system, making it easier to breathe when dealing with colds or flu.
Promotes Digestive Health: The combination of warm broth and vegetables can be easy on the stomach, helping with digestion. This is especially beneficial when you’re recovering from illness and need something that won’t upset your digestive system.
Soothes a Sore Throat: The warm temperature of the soup helps soothe a sore throat, while the broth provides moisture to dry, irritated tissues in the throat and nasal passages, offering relief from coughing.
Matzo balls, made from matzo meal, eggs, oil, and water, are more than just a tasty addition to chicken soup—they bring their own set of benefits. These light, fluffy dumplings are easy to digest, making them gentle on the stomach, which is especially helpful when you're recovering from illness. Matzo balls provide a satisfying source of carbohydrates, offering an energy boost without being too heavy. Their simple ingredients are free from complex fats or preservatives, and they can be customized to fit various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Additionally, their soft texture and warmth add to the overall soothing experience of the soup, making them a perfect complement to the healing qualities of chicken noodle broth.
Why Chicken Noodle Soup is Known for Colds
The reputation of chicken noodle soup as a cold remedy dates back centuries. In Jewish tradition, it is sometimes called "Jewish penicillin" because it was commonly used to treat colds and other respiratory illnesses. The warmth, hydration, and nutrient-dense ingredients all contribute to why it’s a go-to for many when sick.
Scientifically, the steam from hot soup can help clear nasal congestion, while the broth delivers necessary fluids and nutrients to the body. Historically, many cultures have their versions of this healing soup, making it a globally recognized comfort dish.
Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup with Matzo Balls
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (or 4 bone-in chicken thighs)
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups egg noodles
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Matzo Balls:
1 cup matzo meal
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or chicken fat)
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat, and set aside. Discard the bones and skin.
Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf to the broth. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
While the soup simmers, prepare the matzo balls. Mix the matzo meal, beaten eggs, oil, and water in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Drop the matzo balls into the simmering water, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes until they are fluffy.
Add the egg noodles and shredded chicken back to the soup. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Serve hot with matzo balls, garnished with fresh parsley.
Vegetarian Version: Noodle Soup with Matzo Balls
Ingredients:
8 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups egg noodles (or any vegetarian noodles)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Matzo Balls:
Same as the traditional recipe, but use vegetable oil and vegetable broth instead of chicken fat or chicken broth.
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil.
Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Prepare the matzo balls the same way as in the traditional recipe.
Cook the noodles directly in the soup for 10 minutes or until tender.
Serve hot with matzo balls, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Chicken noodle soup, often referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” has deep cultural roots in Jewish cuisine, particularly in the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition. During Shabbat and holidays like Passover, chicken soup with matzo balls is a popular dish. Matzo balls, made from matzo meal (unleavened bread), hold religious significance, especially during Passover when leavened bread is avoided.
Across many cultures, chicken soup is seen as a healing dish. In Chinese, Greek, and Middle Eastern traditions, similar soups are served to aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote recovery. The simplicity of the ingredients and the nourishing properties make it a universally loved remedy.
Next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need some comfort, a bowl of chicken noodle matzo ball soup is the perfect go-to. Whether you choose the traditional recipe or the vegetarian version, both offer warmth, nourishment, and a bit of healing with each spoonful. Enjoy!
