Cabbage and Dumplings: 9 Authentic Reasons This German Comfort Food Belongs on Your Table Recipe
This traditional German comfort dish combines tender sautéed cabbage with soft, steamed dumplings, creating a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for any table. The recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients and a comforting blend of flavors including onion, caraway seeds, and butter, making it a delicious and authentic example of classic German home cooking.
- 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 Mixture
- 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)
For Finishing and Garnish
- 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 to ensure even cooking. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes to soften the cabbage further.
- Make Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the egg and milk, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff, add a bit more milk until you reach a workable consistency suitable for spooning.
- Cook Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly to trap the steam and cook the dumplings for 10–12 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- Finish & Serve: Gently stir in one tablespoon of butter into the cabbage and dumplings for a rich finish. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired for an added fresh touch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk and egg substitute.
- Caraway seeds are optional but add a traditional German flavor to the cabbage.
- If the dumpling dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to adjust consistency.
- Serve with mustard or a side of rye bread for a more authentic German experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Keywords: cabbage and dumplings, German comfort food, sautéed cabbage, steamed dumplings, traditional German recipe, easy German dinner
