Photos: Make matzo ball soup, whether observing Passover or not

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Although some people lovingly refer to it as "Jewish penicillin," matzo ball soup's comforting, healing properties are conferred equally upon people of all faiths.

"Do you prefer sinkers or floaters?" my friend asks when I try to get his mother's matzo ball soup recipe from him. "'cause if you're into floaters, you'll have to find another one. My mother likes her balls dense."

Chicken soup with matzo balls, lovingly known by my Jewish friends as "Jewish penicillin," is traditionally served as part of the Jewish holiday Passover meal, which falls this year between April 14 and April 22.

Despite its star status during Passover, I make matzo ball soup all year long, regardless of the holiday or whether or not anyone near me is in need of its immediate healing properties. Matzo, unleavened bread, along with eggs, broth or water and schmaltz (or chicken fat) make up the heart of these dumplings.

Get the recipe: Chicken soup with fluffy matzo balls