Cabbage and Dumplings: 9 Authentic Reasons This German Comfort Food Belongs on Your Table Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage and dumplings is a classic German comfort dish that brings warmth and homey flavors to your table. Tender cabbage simmered with soft, pillowy dumplings creates a satisfying meal perfect for cozy evenings. This authentic recipe is easy to prepare and deeply comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
3. Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover the pan, and let the cabbage simmer gently for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the dumpling dough by whisking flour and salt in a bowl. Add the egg and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add more milk if the dough seems too dry.
5. Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover tightly and steam the dumplings for 10–12 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, gently stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the dish. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or chives.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings steam to ensure they cook evenly.
• For richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth for water and add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the cabbage.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cabbage for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Dumplings may firm up after refrigeration, so adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or red cabbage can be used as well. Adjust cooking time slightly if using a tougher variety.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the dumplings fresh in the cabbage mixture, but you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.

Cabbage and Dumplings: 9 Authentic Reasons This German Comfort Food Belongs on Your Table Recipe

Print Recipe

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Cabbage and Dumplings is a traditional German comfort food featuring tender sautéed cabbage paired with soft, steamed dumplings. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, delivering a wholesome and flavorful experience straight from German home kitchens.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: German
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cabbage:

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water

For the Dumplings:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Cabbage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Then add the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes to soften the cabbage completely.
2. Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the egg and milk, stirring to form a soft dough. If the dough feels too stiff, add a little more milk gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Cook Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and steam them for 10–12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
4. Finish & Serve: Once the dumplings are done, gently stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to add richness and shine to the dish. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• Use crisp, fresh cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
• Do not lift the lid while dumplings are steaming to ensure proper cooking.
• For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water and add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the cabbage.

Keywords: Cabbage and Dumplings, German comfort food, sautéed cabbage, steamed dumplings, traditional German recipe, vegetarian, simple dinner