Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup) Recipe from Afghanistan

Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup)

Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup) Recipe from Afghanistan
Region / culture: Afghanistan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup)
Matzo Joshawk (Passover Soup)

Matzo Joshawk, also known as Passover Soup, is a traditional dish enjoyed during the Jewish holiday of Passover. This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for celebrating with family and friends.

History

Matzo Joshawk has been a staple in Jewish cuisine for generations, with its origins dating back to ancient times. This soup is often served during Passover, a holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

Ingredients

  • 0.25 cup of corn oil
  • 2 large (1.5 cup) onions, chopped
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 lb (454 g) of boneless beef or lamb, cut into 1-inch pieces OR
  • 2 chicken legs & thighs with bone, halved
  • 1 medium potato, peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 tsp of salt, or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp of pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten

How to prepare

  1. Here is a recipe for an everything meat soup that can be served with homemade matzoh during the days of Passover.
  2. Heat oil in a soup pan, add onions, and stir-fry over moderate heat for 1 minute, until they change color.
  3. Add water and bring to a boil. Add beef, lamb, or chicken pieces, potato, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover the pan and cook for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
  5. Just before serving, slowly pour beaten egg in a circle into the simmering soup.
  6. Serve hot with matzoh.

Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, and zucchini.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the onions finely to ensure they cook evenly and add flavor to the soup.

- For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in lamb or chicken instead of boneless meat.

- Adding the beaten egg at the end of cooking creates a beautiful and delicious egg drop effect in the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Matzo Joshawk with a side of homemade matzoh or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

- Adding the beaten egg at the end of cooking creates a silky texture and adds protein to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of corn oil for a lighter flavor.

- Substitute beef or chicken broth for water for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Matzo Joshawk can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Matzo Joshawk in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a glass of red wine for a complete dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Matzo Joshawk with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For dessert, serve traditional Passover sweets such as macaroons or flourless chocolate cake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Matzo Joshawk in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin C: 5mg per serving

Alergens

Contains eggs

Summary

Matzo Joshawk is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Matzo Joshawk is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for celebrating Passover with loved ones. This traditional dish is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a favorite for generations to come.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Eastern Europe. Passover was approaching, and my mother was busy preparing for the holiday. As she bustled around the kitchen, I watched in awe as she gathered the ingredients for Matzo Joshawk, a traditional Passover soup that has been in our family for generations.

I asked my mother where she learned to make Matzo Joshawk, and she smiled, a faraway look in her eyes. She told me that the recipe had been passed down from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been in our family for centuries, a recipe that only the women in our family knew how to make.

As I watched my mother cook, I felt a deep sense of connection to my ancestors. I could almost imagine my great-grandmother standing in the same kitchen, stirring the same pot of soup. I knew then that I wanted to learn how to make Matzo Joshawk, to carry on the tradition and honor the women who came before me.

I began to ask my mother questions about the recipe, taking notes on scraps of paper and carefully measuring out the ingredients. I watched her every move, trying to commit the recipe to memory. My mother laughed at my determination, but she indulged me, knowing how important it was to me.

Finally, the day came when I was ready to make Matzo Joshawk on my own. My mother stood by my side, guiding me through each step and offering words of encouragement. As I stirred the soup, the aroma of chicken and matzo filled the kitchen, transporting me back in time to a different era.

When the soup was ready, I ladled it into bowls and set them on the table. My family gathered around, eager to taste my creation. As they took their first spoonfuls, their faces lit up with delight. I knew then that I had done it, that I had successfully made Matzo Joshawk just like my mother and grandmother before me.

From that day on, I became the official Matzo Joshawk maker in our family. Every Passover, I would don my apron and get to work in the kitchen, my children and grandchildren watching with fascination as I recreated the same recipe that had been passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it my own. But the essence of the soup remains the same, a symbol of tradition and family ties that bind us together.

As I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that the recipe for Matzo Joshawk will live on long after I am gone. I have taught my daughters and granddaughters how to make the soup, passing on the knowledge and love that has been handed down to me.

And so, as I sit here reflecting on the memories of learning to make Matzo Joshawk all those years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the women who came before me and the legacy they have left behind. The recipe may be simple, but the traditions and stories that accompany it are priceless. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Categories

| Afghan Recipes | Afghan Soups | Beef Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Corn Oil Recipes | Lamb Recipes | Potato Recipes |

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