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