Description
This traditional German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe features tender, flavorful cabbage simmered with aromatic onions and herbs, paired with soft, fluffy dumplings made from a simple flour and egg dough. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that highlights classic German home cooking techniques, perfect for a satisfying meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (optional)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1–3 Tbsp milk (if needed)
For the Cabbage:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 medium head cabbage (chopped)
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the dumplings dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dried thyme or parsley, black pepper, salt, and if using, baking powder and baking soda. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly to form a stiff dough, adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spoon dipped in hot water, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough and drop them carefully into the boiling water. Cook until the dumplings float to the surface, indicating they are done. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: In a large skillet or pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Prepare the cabbage: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the chopped cabbage, vegetable or chicken stock, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage simmer gently until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine dumplings and cabbage: Gently fold the cooked dumplings into the cabbage mixture, tossing lightly to integrate the flavors without breaking the dumplings.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using baking powder and baking soda in the dumplings is optional but can help make them lighter and fluffier.
- If the dumpling dough is too stiff, add milk tablespoon by tablespoon to reach a pliable but firm consistency.
- Vegetable stock keeps the dish vegetarian; chicken stock adds more depth for non-vegetarians.
- For added flavor, consider a pinch of nutmeg in the cabbage mixture.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be gently warmed in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German cabbage recipe, dumplings, cabbage and dumplings, traditional German dishes, vegetarian German recipes, hearty stew
