Why You Should Always Cover Your Matzo Balls When Cooking

With Passover less than a week away, the time has come to start prepping our menu for Sunday. No Seder spread comes complete without the iconic matzo balls taking center stage. According to NPR, these dumplings have made their way to the classic Seder menu thanks to their symbolization of the unleavened bread the Jews had to eat as they escaped Egypt. These dumplings, originally called knoedel, got the name matzo balls from U.S. comedians and vaudeville performers, cementing them in the American public consciousness.

While we have all heard of this iconic food, making them proves a bit trickier, especially if you cook them from scratch. According to Tori Avey, these dumplings require a special matzo meal, in addition to schmaltz, unflavored seltzer, and a variety of herbs and spices for the perfect taste. Even after assembly, cooking can present some questions that only a seasoned chef has answers to. For all the matzo newbies, we often wonder about whether or not we cover the pot with a lid as we boil these dumplings. The choice you make at this stage of cooking could make or break your matzo balls and determine the success of your Passover Seder.

The time has come to decide if you want to cover your matzo balls with a lid as you boil them. According to Serious Eats, you have no other choice if you want to create the perfect dumpling for the holiday. If you choose to boil your matzo balls without a lid, the dumplings don't swell in size and they turn brown, two things you definitely don't want to see in this iconic dish. For best results, keep these dumplings covered as they cook to ensure they grow to the right size and maintain the perfect white color. You can even take a peek once in a while without harming their cooking process, just make sure not to keep them uncovered too long. 

As you start planning your perfect Seder, don't forget about this cooking tip that guarantees the best, most attractive matzo balls that you can share with family. The results speak for themself — after one bite, you can't deny this cooking method just works. Try it out this weekend for a great meal that no one will forget anytime soon.