Nothing beats a warm, comforting meal, and Cabbage and Dumplings truly delivers. This beloved dish brings together tender cabbage and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, creating a hearty and satisfying experience.
Rooted in European culinary traditions, this classic has earned its place as a cherished family favorite. Prepare to enjoy a simple, yet incredibly delicious, recipe that will warm you from the inside out.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe
You’re in for a treat with this delightful Cabbage and Dumplings recipe! It blends rich, savory flavors with a comforting texture that makes every bite satisfying.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together with minimal fuss.
- Budget-Friendly: You’ll appreciate how economical the ingredients are.
- Family Favorite: This warm, hearty meal is sure to please everyone at your table.
- Versatile: Easily customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Satisfying Texture: Enjoy the combination of tender cabbage and soft, pillowy dumplings.
Ingredients
Creating this delicious Cabbage and Dumplings dish uses simple, fresh ingredients. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.
For the Cabbage:
- Green Cabbage: 1 large head, cored and chopped.
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted.
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (or chicken broth).
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness).
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste.
- Caraway Seeds: 1 teaspoon (optional, for authentic flavor).
For the Dumplings:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups.
- Large Egg: 1.
- Milk (or water): ½ cup.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this dish to fit your pantry or preferences.
- Cabbage: Savoy or red cabbage work just as well as green cabbage.
- Broth: Use beef broth for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
- Fat: Bacon fat instead of butter adds a wonderful smoky note.
- Dumplings: Save time by using store-bought gnocchi for a similar texture.
- Herbs: Fresh dill or marjoram are excellent additions to the cabbage mix.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this comforting meal.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Cutting board and sharp knife.
- Large mixing bowls.
- Whisk or wooden spoon.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Instructions For The Best Cabbage and Dumplings
Follow these easy steps to prepare your flavorful Cabbage and Dumplings. Each stage is straightforward, making this recipe beginner-friendly.
Prepare the Cabbage
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and caraway seeds, if using. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped green cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine it with the onions and garlic. Cook the cabbage for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and becomes tender-crisp.
- Season the cabbage mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, if using, for a bright counterpoint to the richness.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.
Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the large egg with the milk or water. Whisk until the wet ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing the dough. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to more tender dumplings. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough dumplings.
Cook the Dumplings
- Uncover the pot of simmering cabbage. Ensure the broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. You can use two spoons or a small cookie scoop. Try to keep the dumplings roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam trapped inside cooks them thoroughly.
- Check for doneness: A dumpling is cooked when it feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean.
Finish and Serve
- Gently stir the dish to combine the cooked dumplings with the tender cabbage. Be careful not to break up the dumplings.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- Garnish the Cabbage and Dumplings with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Serve warm as a hearty and comforting main course. Enjoy this simple, satisfying meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips ensure your Cabbage and Dumplings turn out perfect every time.
- Tender Dumplings: Mix your dumpling dough minimally. Overmixing develops gluten and makes them tough.
- Flavorful Cabbage: Don’t rush sautéing the cabbage. Letting it caramelize slightly builds depth.
- Avoid Sticky Dumplings: Don’t overcrowd the pot when adding the dough. Cook in batches if needed.
- Seasoning Adjustment: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper.
- Perfect Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer for cooking the dumplings. A hard boil can break them apart.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This Cabbage and Dumplings recipe shines as a stand-alone meal, but it also offers great flexibility.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this hearty dish on its own for a fulfilling meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the cabbage mixture and the cooked dumplings separately. This helps maintain the texture of both components.
Variations
- Smoky Bacon Addition: Cook some crispy bacon pieces and stir them into the dish before serving.
- Creamy Delight: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat.
- Hearty Sausage: Incorporate cooked slices of kielbasa or another favorite sausage into the cabbage.
- Vegetarian Option: Stick to vegetable broth and omit any meat additions for a delicious meatless meal.
Nutrition Information
This comforting dish offers a good balance of nutrients. While exact values vary by ingredient brands and preparation, a serving of Cabbage and Dumplings generally provides:
- Calories: ~350-450 kcal
- Fat: ~15-20g
- Protein: ~10-15g
- Carbohydrates: ~40-50g
The cabbage adds a good amount of fiber and essential vitamins. This makes it a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Disclaimer: All nutritional information is approximate and depends on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dumplings are these?
These are simple, drop-style flour dumplings, made light and fluffy with baking powder.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken are excellent additions for extra protein.
How can I make the cabbage less watery?
You can cook the cabbage mixture uncovered for a longer period to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Find quick answers to common questions about making Cabbage and Dumplings.
Conclusion
This Cabbage and Dumplings recipe truly embodies the spirit of home cooking – simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
We encourage you to try creating this delicious dish and experience its easy preparation and robust, comforting flavors. Share your experiences and enjoy this delightful journey into classic comfort food.
Cabbage and Dumplings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and caraway seeds. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped cabbage. Cook for 10–15 minutes until wilted and tender-crisp.
- Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Pour in broth, bring to simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat egg with milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering cabbage. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until dumplings are firm and cooked through.
- Gently stir to combine. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Replaced bacon fat with unsalted butter to keep the recipe pork-free.
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