If there’s one thing I can always count on to bring a smile to my face, it’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations. This recipe, taught to me by my German nana, has been a beloved family favorite for as long as I can remember. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavors that remind me of home. Every time I make it, I feel connected to my roots, and I’m excited to share this with you. The dish is a hearty, satisfying mix of tender cabbage and fluffy homemade dumplings—everything you need for a perfect meal. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your go-to recipes too!
Now, let’s dive into the magic of my Nana’s recipe. Get ready to enjoy something that’s both cozy and delicious, with a little bit of old-world charm.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have everything ready. This recipe has simple
Ingredients
that come together in the best way. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped – Cabbage is the heart of this dish. It adds a nice, soft texture once it’s cooked, and when paired with the dumplings, it’s pure comfort food.
2 tablespoons butter – Butter is key here—it brings everything together, adding richness and flavor to the cabbage.
1 onion, finely chopped – The onion gets sautéed until it’s soft and sweet, forming the flavor base of the dish.
Salt and pepper, to taste – These are essential for seasoning the cabbage and bringing out the flavors. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
1 cup all-purpose flour – The flour forms the base of the dumplings, giving them that perfect, fluffy texture when they cook in the water.
1/2 teaspoon salt – A little more salt for the dumpling batter to ensure the flavor is balanced.
1/2 cup milk – The milk helps bind the dumpling mixture together, adding creaminess and making the dumplings tender.
2 eggs – Eggs help the dumpling batter hold together and give them the right consistency when cooking.
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) – The parsley adds a nice touch of freshness and color to finish the dish.
Instructions
Now, let’s get started on making this delicious dish. The process is simple, but the results are extraordinary—just like Nana used to make it!
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Cabbage
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is nice and melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion becomes fragrant and golden. This is the perfect base for the cabbage!
Next, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so the cabbage gets a nice coating of butter and seasonings. Now, cover the pot and let the cabbage cook down until it’s tender, which should take around 20 minutes. You’ll want the cabbage to soften and absorb all the flavors from the butter and onion. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Batter
While the cabbage is cooking, let’s move on to the dumplings. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until smooth. Gradually add the wet
Ingredients
to the dry
Ingredients
, stirring constantly until you have a thick batter. This batter should hold together when dropped into the water, but not be too stiff. You can always add a little more flour or milk if needed to get the right consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
In a large pot, bring water to a gentle boil and season it with a little salt. Using two spoons, carefully drop small portions of the dumpling batter into the boiling water. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary. The dumplings will start to float to the surface once they’re cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once they rise, let them cook for a minute or two longer to make sure they’re done. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender and the dumplings are ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Fold the cooked dumplings into the cabbage mixture. The dumplings will soak up the rich flavors from the cabbage and butter, making each bite even more delicious. If you like, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley to add a little color and freshness.
Serve this dish warm, and enjoy a taste of something truly special. It’s a meal that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.
Notes
Don’t skip the butter: Butter is essential in this recipe—not just for sautéing the onions, but for flavoring the cabbage. It really makes the dish shine!
Make sure the dumplings are cooked: Don’t rush the dumplings! If they don’t float to the surface of the boiling water, give them a little more time to cook.
Chop the cabbage evenly: For even cooking, try to chop the cabbage into uniform pieces. This way, all the cabbage will cook at the same rate and absorb the flavors more evenly.
Add more seasoning: Taste the cabbage and dumplings as you go. If you feel it needs more salt or pepper, don’t be afraid to adjust it! Everyone’s taste is a little different, so feel free to season it to your liking.
Make it ahead of time: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make the cabbage and dumplings a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the
Nutrition
al content per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 270 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: 380mg
Potassium: 380mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 40%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Additional Information
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Image credit goes to the amazing creator. 🙏
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