“My German nana taught me this, and it’s stayed with us ever since.” This traditional German comfort dish brings together tender, buttery cabbage and soft homemade dumplings for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Simple ingredients, humble roots, and deeply satisfying flavors make this recipe a timeless family favorite.

It’s the kind of dish that was made to stretch ingredients, feed everyone at the table, and leave you full and content. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe delivers pure old-world comfort.

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• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need
• How to Make This Recipe
• Helpful Tips & Variations
• Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic German home-style comfort food
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Hearty, filling, and naturally meat-free
• Perfect for cozy dinners and cold days
• Passed-down family recipe with timeless appeal

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the end.

• Green cabbage
• Butter
• Onion
• Salt and black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make This Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Sauté onion in butter until soft and fragrant.
2. Add cabbage and cook until tender and lightly caramelized.
3. Prepare a simple dumpling batter.
4. Cook dumplings in gently boiling water until they float.
5. Fold dumplings into the cabbage and serve warm.

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Extra richness: Add an extra tablespoon of butter to the cabbage before serving.
• Traditional touch: A pinch of nutmeg in the dumpling batter adds depth.
• Serving idea: Serve with applesauce or a simple green salad.
• Make ahead: Dumplings can be cooked ahead and gently reheated in butter.

German Cabbage with Dumplings

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
2. Add cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook about 20 minutes until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk, then combine with flour to form a thick batter.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the water.
5. Cook dumplings 3–5 minutes until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
6. Gently fold dumplings into the cabbage. Garnish with parsley if desired.
7. Serve warm.