Kreplach Soup
Tender, savory meat-filled dumplings simmered in a rich, golden chicken broth. This classic Jewish comfort food is perfect for holidays or a cozy family meal, warming you from the inside out.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 100 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Broth
- b.In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken pieces, 12 cups of water, chopped carrots, celery, quartered onion, and smashed garlic.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clear broth.
- d.Add the fresh dill, 2 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 90 minutes, until the chicken is very tender and the broth is flavorful.
- e.Carefully strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the cooked vegetables and aromatics. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and set it aside. Discard the bones.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Kreplach Filling
- b.While the soup simmers, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped small onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- d.In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, the cooled sautéed onion, 1 large egg, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Make a well in the center. Add 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, and 3 tbsp of water.
- d.Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- e.Knead for 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, firm, and elastic. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Kreplach
- b.Divide the rested dough in half, keeping one half covered while you work with the other.
- c.On a well-floured surface, roll the dough as thinly as possible (about 1/16-inch thick) into a large rectangle. A pasta roller makes this easier.
- d.Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
- e.Place about 1 teaspoon of the beef filling in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill.
- f.To form a triangle, lightly moisten two adjacent edges with water, then fold one corner over to the opposite corner. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- g.For the traditional shape, bring the two long points of the triangle together and pinch them to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook and Serve
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water (16 cups water with 1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil.
- c.Gently drop the kreplach into the boiling water, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- d.Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is cooked through. Test one to ensure the filling is cooked and the dough is tender.
- e.While the kreplach cook, reheat the chicken broth. Add the reserved shredded chicken to the broth.
- f.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked kreplach directly into serving bowls. Ladle the hot chicken soup over the kreplach, garnish with fresh dill, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the clearest broth, be diligent about skimming the foam from the soup in the beginning.
- 2Ensure the sautéed onion for the filling is completely cool before mixing with the raw beef and egg to prevent the egg from scrambling.
- 3Roll the dough as thinly as you can. A pasta machine set to a medium-thin setting (like 5 or 6) is very helpful for this.
- 4Make sure to seal the kreplach edges very well to prevent the filling from leaking out during boiling.
- 5Kreplach can be made ahead and frozen. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Boil directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- 6For extra rich flavor, use schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) instead of vegetable oil to sauté the onion for the filling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Filling
Replace the beef filling with a mixture of mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, and salt (similar to a pierogi filling), or a simple farmer's cheese filling.
Fried KreplachFried Kreplach
After boiling and draining the kreplach, pan-fry them in a little oil or schmaltz until golden brown and crispy. Serve them as a side dish with applesauce or sour cream, rather than in soup.
Chicken FillingChicken Filling
Use some of the tender, shredded chicken from the soup-making process as the filling. Finely chop the chicken and mix with sautéed onions and a little broth for moisture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of chicken and beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Source of Collagen
Simmering bone-in chicken for an extended period releases collagen and gelatin into the broth, which supports joint, skin, and gut health.
Hydrating and Comforting
The warm, savory broth is not only comforting but also helps with hydration and replenishes electrolytes, making it an excellent choice when you're feeling under the weather.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Kreplach Soup contains approximately 550-650 calories, making it a substantial and satisfying meal.
