Isaac Adlowitz Food Project

Matzo Ball Soup

Ingredients:

2 eggs

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

2 1/2 quarts of cold water

packet of Manischewitz Matzo ball mix

Directions:

1. In a small bowl beat 2 eggs with the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

2. add content of packet and stir with fork until properly mixed.

3. Place bowl in fridge for 15 mins. 

4. In a 4 quart pot, boil  2&1/2 quarts of water and 2 teaspoons of salt

5. wet your hands and mold the mix into balls approx. 1 inch in diameter.

6. drop balls into boiling water, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 mins.

7. add them to boiling chicken broth with carrots, onion, salt, and pepper.

Analysis:

Mike and I decided to make Matzoball soup because we are both Jewish and matzo ball soup is considered a staple for meals during important Jewish holidays (most notably Passover). We decided to make the soup for many other reasons. One of them was because of the recent frigid temperatures, and we felt like soup was something that is always great for warming people up. We also felt as though it was fairly healthy compared to other food that is typically associated with American Jews (latkes, kishka, brisket, jelly donuts, etc). According to Mike 25% of the ingredients were processed. We made 4 servings worth of chicken broth, and 4.5 servings of matzo balls. All together that is 245 calories, 6620mg of sodium, 58g carbohydrate, 4g sugar, 4.5g protein. Assuming that the servings are to be split among 10 people, it is 24.5 calories per person, 662mg sodium per person, 5.8g carbohydrates per person, .4g sugar per person, and .45g protein per person. It contains almost no sugar and is low in calories, but it contains a lot of sodium. The ingredients are fairly local. Mike found that the broth came from Pittsburgh, the matzo ball mix came from Newark, and that the eggs were local. So low carbon footprint for making this matzo ball soup in Philadelphia. The total price for ingredients was $6.80. It also didn't take long to prepare (40-50 mins). 

Reflection:

In this unit I have learned about the different ways in which the food that is sold in this and other countries is made. I learned about how the food is not made with all the natural ingredients we assume they're made with, and instead are made with chemicals and other things to keep them preserved or to produce them in a less expensive way. I learned that the "Western diet" is the name of the diet that people say most Americans are on where they consume processed foods, and a lot of meat. My role in the larger food system is as a consumer. I consume all sorts of food, that are part of many different food groups. The biggest problems with our food system is that the food is made with all these chemicals, and are engineered in a way where they look more appealing but may provide less nutrition for the consumer. We also consume a lot of starches, sodium, and non natural sugars. One big change I could make to my food choices would be to make a point to eat more fruit, and drink water as my default. I could also cut out soda, fatty foods, fried foods, and processed foods. If I ate more fruit I would have more energy. If I cut out soda, fatty foods, fried foods, and processed foods I would have more energy, I would lose weight and I would start to make even smarter food decisions. I'm willing to make some of these changes. I'm trying to cut down on soda, and not over eat. I am also trying to consume more produce but it can be an expensive habit if I don't take it from home.