Although it originated as a Jewish dish, matzo ball soup has become a staple in American cuisine. Since its opening in 1954, matzo ball soup has been a staple of Matt Kuscher’s Kush Hialeah (previously Stephen’s Deli).
The owner claims that their original recipe is still one of their best sellers. The soup has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, Kuscher tells New Times. He refers to Henderson “Junior” Biggers, a beloved employee of the deli who resigned last Friday after 65 years on the job, saying, “It was Stephen’s recipe, and then it was Junior’s recipe” (Biggers started working at the Hialeah deli in 1957.)
Kuscher claims the soup is uncomplicated: just chicken, carrots, and celery simmered in a homemade chicken stock. Kuscher argues that the matzo balls require both expertise and passion to manufacture. “Matzo balls, in contrast to the thicker noodles used in chicken noodle soup, are much more delicate. They must all be rolled by hand. They must also be stored in a location that is not near the broth.”
But that little bit of extra effort makes all the difference. “In terms of texture, the matzo balls are really light and airy. They provide far more solace than noodles do “Kuscher, who ate the soup frequently as a child at his grandparents’ house and at their deli, attests to its deliciousness.
One need not be Jewish to appreciate this soup.
Comfort food is something that can be found in nearly every culture, as Kuscher explains.
“The most essential thing is that it’s something your grandma would cook, whether it’s arroz con pollo or chicken soup.
The experience is just as important as the food.”Kuscher adds that when someone in his immediate circle falls sick, the first thing he does is grab a jar of soup and head out the door.
“It gives the impression that you are being cared for.”
Everyone in Miami seems to agree that matzo ball soup has miraculous curative powers.
Gallon after gallon of “Bubbe’s” is sold at Kush Hialeah (Bubbe is Yiddish for grandma).
He continues, “It appears that all customers who order a pastrami sandwich also purchase the soup.”
There are a total of three soups to choose from at Kush Hialeah: chili, tomato soup with grilled cheese, and the soup of the day.
“A lot of soup is one of our best-selling items. It’s the kind of cuisine that makes you feel better. What you ate as a kid, or what you saw on sitcoms like “Leave it to Beaver,” “Kuscher remarked