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Hearty German Cabbage and Dumplings: A Cozy Classic Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this classic Cabbage and Dumplings recipe. A soul-warming combination of tender, buttery cabbage and soft, fluffy dumplings, this dish is a taste of old-world charm perfect for any family dinner. Whether you're a fan of traditional German cuisine or simply seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal, this authentic recipe for German Cabbage and Dumplings, also known as Kraut und Knödel, is sure to become a new favorite.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: European, German
Keyword: Cabbage and Dumplings, Comfort Food, German Cabbage and Dumplings, Kraut und Knödel, Vegetarian Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 285kcal

Ingredients 

For the Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dried parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked is best
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder optional, for lighter dumplings
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda optional, for lighter dumplings
  • 2 large eggs whisked and at room temperature
  • 1-3 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 stock 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

  • Combine the all-purpose flour, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl. For lighter dumplings, whisk in the optional baking powder and baking soda.
  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the whisked eggs. Stir with a fork until a stiff dough forms, adding milk one tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too dry.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough into the boiling water, dipping your spoon in the hot water between scoops to prevent sticking. Cook until the dumplings float to the surface, then remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion with a pinch of salt until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the chopped cabbage, vegetable stock, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the cabbage is tender.
  • Gently fold the cooked dumplings into the tender cabbage, tossing to combine everything. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Slotted spoon

Notes

Feel free to customize this dish! For a heartier meal, add cooked smoked sausage or bacon along with the cabbage. A pinch of caraway seeds or a dash of smoked paprika can add extra depth of flavor. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2.5mg