1 fennel bulb, bottom trimmed, sliced into half moons
2 tablespoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 dried bay leaves
½ bunch fresh italian parsley, plus ⅓ cup (10 g),finely chopped, divided
½ bunch fresh dill
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
⅓ cup chives (10 g), chopped
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 lemon, zested
Matzo Balls
2 tablespoons canola oil, or reserved chicken fat
2 large eggs
1 packet matzo ball mix
kosher salt, for boiling
Nutrition Info
Calories 350
Fat 10g
Carbs 38g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 6g
Protein 25g
How to Make It
1. Step
Make the soup: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, arrange the chicken thighs and drumsticks skin-side down (depending on the size of the pan, you may need to work in batches). Turn the heat to medium-low and cook until the skin is golden brown and the fat has rendered, about 15 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until the fat has rendered from the other side, 7–10 minutes.
2. Step
Transfer the chicken to a large stockpot and reserve the rendered fat. You’ll need 2 tablespoons, add canola oil as needed if there is not enough chicken fat.
3. Step
Pour the cold water into the pot with the chicken and bring to a boil over high heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the onions, carrots, celery, fennel, salt, pepper, bay leaves, bunch of parsley, dill, and bouillon paste. Cover and gently simmer for 1½ hours. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the soup and pull the meat off the bones. Return the meat to the pot and discard any skin and bones. Cover the soup to keep warm.
4. Step
While the soup simmers, make the matzo balls: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken fat and eggs until combined. Stir in the matzo ball mix with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
5. Step
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
6. Step
Using wet hands, roll the matzo ball mix into 1-inch balls.
7. Step
Add the matzo balls to the boiling water, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer the matzo balls to the soup.
8. Step
Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
