German cabbage and dumplings

Here’s a traditional German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe that brings together simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting dish. This is a rustic meal popular in Southern Germany and among German-American communities.

🇩🇪 German Cabbage and Dumplings (Kraut und Klöße)

🍽️ Serves: 4

🕰️ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins

🥬 Ingredients

For the Cabbage:

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter or bacon fat

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)

• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

For the Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße or Bread Dumplings):

You can choose either potato dumplings or bread dumplings.

🥔 Option 1: Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße)

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) starchy potatoes (like Russets)

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup flour (more if needed)

• 1/4 cup potato starch or cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

🥖 Option 2: Bread Dumplings (Semmelknödel)

• 6–8 stale bread rolls (or about 5 cups cubed bread)

• 1 cup milk, warm

• 1 small onion, finely chopped and sautéed

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Cabbage:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter or bacon fat over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).

3. Add the chopped cabbage and sugar (if using).

4. Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage begins to soften and brown slightly (about 10–15 minutes).

5. Add broth, caraway seeds, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

6. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and flavorful.

2. Make the Dumplings

🍽️ Potato Dumplings:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash or rice them.

2. Add egg, flour, starch, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until a dough forms. It should be soft but hold together.

3. Shape into balls (golf ball to tennis ball size).

4. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle simmer (not boiling). Add dumplings and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until they float. Don’t overcrowd the pot.

🍽️ Bread Dumplings:

1. Pour warm milk over bread cubes in a large bowl. Let soak for 10 minutes.

2. Sauté onion in butter, then add to bread mixture along with eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix well and form into 6–8 dumplings.

4. Simmer in salted water for 15–20 minutes until firm and cooked through.

🥄 To Serve:

Serve the warm dumplings alongside or on top of the braised cabbage. Some people like to pour a little melted butter or browned butter over the dumplings.

Optional: Serve with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or a pork roast for a complete German meal.