Cabbage and Dumplings: 9 Authentic Reasons This German Comfort Food Belongs on Your Table Recipe
Cabbage and Dumplings is a hearty and comforting German dish that combines tender sautéed cabbage with soft, steamed dumplings. This traditional meal is easy to prepare and brings warmth to your table, making it a perfect family-friendly comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
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. Add the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the vegetable broth and cover the pan. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Make Dumpling Dough: While the cabbage simmers, whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the egg and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add more milk if the dough is too dry to drop by spoonfuls.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover the pan tightly and steam the dumplings for 10–12 minutes, allowing them to cook through and puff up.
- Finish & Serve: Gently stir in 1 tablespoon of butter into the cabbage and dumplings mixture for richness. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use crisp, fresh cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are steaming to ensure they cook properly.
- For richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Optional: Add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the cabbage for additional warmth and spice.
Keywords: Cabbage and Dumplings, German Comfort Food, Sautéed Cabbage, Steamed Dumplings, Traditional German Recipe
