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German Cabbage & Dumplings

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4 from 69 reviews

This hearty German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe combines tender sautéed cabbage, pillowy dumplings, and classic seasonings into one comforting, budget-friendly dish. A nostalgic staple in Central European cuisine, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and quick family meals.

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

  1. Sauté Cabbage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of 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 until the cabbage softens. Pour in ½ cup vegetable broth or water, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add 1 large egg and ½ cup milk, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more milk if needed to achieve the right consistency.
  3. Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly and let the dumplings steam over low heat for 10–12 minutes, avoiding opening the lid to ensure proper steaming.
  4. Finish & Serve: Remove the lid gently and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated. Serve the cabbage and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Use crisp, fresh cabbage for best results to ensure tenderness and flavor.
  • Don’t peek while the dumplings are steaming to keep the steam trapped and cook the dumplings properly.
  • For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water and add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the cabbage.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/german-cabbage-and-dumplings/