German Cabbage and Dumplings

This recipe for German Cabbage and Dumplings (Kraut und Knödel) provides a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender dumplings with buttery sautéed cabbage and onions. It emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity of traditional German home cooking.

Key Features

• Comfort Food: A classic German dish that's warm and satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses basic, affordable ingredients.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour.
• Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or side.

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Ingredients

• For the Dumplings:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1-3 tablespoons milk, as needed
• For the Cabbage:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 medium cabbage, chopped
  • ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Dumpling Dough:

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add eggs and mix. Add milk if needed. Let dough rest.

Cook Dumplings:

Boil salted water. Drop tablespoon-sized dough portions into boiling water. Cook until dumplings float and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Sauté Cabbage and Onions:

Melt butter in a pot. Add onions and cook until softened. Add cabbage, stock, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until cabbage is tender.

Combine and Serve:

Gently fold dumplings into the cabbage mixture. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Key Tips

• Dumpling Dough: Don't overwork the dough.
• Cooking Dumplings: Cook in batches to prevent sticking.
• Cabbage Flavor: Caramelize the cabbage slightly.

Variations

• Add caraway seeds to the cabbage.
• Fry leftover dumplings in butter.
• Serve with sour cream.
• Use red cabbage instead of green.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock.
• Meat Pairing: Serve with bratwurst, kielbasa, pork chops, or roasted chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Make Ahead Dumplings: Yes, refrigerate and reheat.
• Meat Pairing: Bratwurst, kielbasa, pork chops, or roasted chicken.
• Red Cabbage: Yes, it adds sweetness and color.
• Spätzle: No, these are boiled dumplings (Knöpfle).
• Vegetarian: Yes, use vegetable stock.

This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious and authentic German Cabbage and Dumplings dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What are the optional ingredients for the dumplings?

Baking powder and baking soda are optional for lighter dumplings.

→ Can this dish be served as a side?

Yes, it can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.

→ How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the spoon?

Dip the spoon in hot water between each scoop.

→ How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

They are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling water.

→ What herbs can I use in the dumplings?

You can use dried thyme or parsley.