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German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews

This classic German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe features tender, flavorful cabbage simmered with onions and butter, complemented by soft, fluffy dumplings made from a simple flour dough. The dish is comforting, hearty, and easy to prepare, perfect for a wholesome meal that highlights traditional German flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
  • 2 large eggs (whisked and at room temperature)
  • 13 tablespoons milk (as needed)

For the Cabbage:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 1 large onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 medium cabbage (chopped into large chunks)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (roughly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dried thyme or parsley, black pepper, salt, and if preferred for lighter dumplings, the baking powder and baking soda.
  2. Add Eggs: Create a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in the whisked eggs. Stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
  3. Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling water, dipping the spoon in hot water between portions to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float to the surface, they are fully cooked. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cabbage: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Simmer the Cabbage: Add the remaining butter, chopped cabbage, vegetable or chicken stock, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook until the cabbage is tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  6. Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked dumplings into the cabbage mixture and toss carefully to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Baking powder and baking soda in the dumplings are optional and make them lighter and fluffier.
  • Dipping the spoon in hot water between scoops prevents the dough from sticking, ensuring dumplings form easily.
  • You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock according to preference or to keep the dish vegetarian.
  • For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the cabbage slightly longer before simmering.

Keywords: German cabbage and dumplings, traditional German recipe, vegetarian dumplings, comforting cabbage dish