23. Kneidlach – Matzah balls:[1]

What is it? Kneidlach, also known as matzo balls, are dumplings made from matzo meal [or bread crumbs as alternative], eggs, water, and oil or chicken fat.

Their bread status:[2] Today’s commonly made Kneidlach have the status of bread of less than a Kezayis which has lost its appearance, as stated in Halacha 19. The following thus is its law:

Cooked in soup: The typical cooked Kneidlach have the status of less than a Kezayis of cooked bread which have disintegrated and are hence Mezonos [whether made in a way of regular bread, or in way of Pas Haba Bekisnin[3]], being that they do not have the form of bread. This applies even if one sets a meal over them and will eat it to the point of satiation.

Fried Kneidlach: Fried Kneidlach [whether made in a way of regular bread, or in way of Pas Haba Bekisnin[4]] has the same status as less than a Kezayis of fried bread which has lost its appearance and is Mezonos whether it was deep-fried or sizzled, or even fried in a little amount of oil.[5] This applies even if one sets a meal over them and will eat it to the point of satiation.[6]

Summary:

Mezonos and Al Hamichya, in all cases.

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[1] See Seder 2:15; 168:20; Ketzos Hashulchan 48:14-15; Piskeiy Teshuvos 168:17

Other opinions – Admur in SHU”A: Some Poskim rule that Kneidlach are Hamotzi, as they are made from bread, and retain a Kezayis in size due to their ball. [See Admur 168:20; M”A  168:28; This however would only apply when it is made from Hamotzi bread crumbs, such as regular bread or Matzah which was made into crumbs and then made into a matzoh ball. However, if it was originally made using Pas Haba Bekisnin crumbs, as may be the status of manufactured matzo meal, then its blessing is Mezonos even according to Admur ibid.]

[2] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid and footnote 137

[3] See Piskeiy Teshuvah ibid

[4] See Piskeiy Teshuvah ibid

[5] As we hold like the opinion that says frying is like cooking

[6] See Ketzos Hashulchan ibid footnote 30