Name: Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Volga German
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion diced; 1 small head green cabbage chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); 1/2 cup water or chicken broth; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk

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If there’s ever been a dish that feels like a heartfelt hug from the kitchen, it’s the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe. This classic is all about warming your spirit with tender dumplings nestled into buttery cabbage, seasoned just right for that old-world, homestyle flavor. Every bite is bursting with savory comfort, just like those cozy family dinners you remember, making it a go-to for weeknights and special gatherings alike.

Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple—each ingredient brings its own magic, from the sweetness of onion to pillowy dumplings that soak up every ounce of flavor. Don’t skip even a pinch, because each addition helps shape the taste and texture that make the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe a true comfort classic.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps soften the veggies for a truly luscious base.
Onion (diced): Brings just the right touch of sweetness and savory aroma.
Green cabbage (chopped): The star, softens beautifully and absorbs all those comforting flavors.
Salt: Essential for pulling flavor from the cabbage and balancing the dough.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasonings.
Caraway seeds (optional): Classic earthy flavor—totally optional, but they truly add an unmistakable traditional touch.
Water or chicken broth: Creates steam for ultra-tender cabbage and perfect dumplings.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of those fluffy dumplings.
Baking powder: Lifts the dumplings, so they turn out light and airy.
Eggs: Give structure and just the right texture to your dumplings.
Milk: Moistens the dough—start with less and add more for scoopable perfection.

How to Make Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Cabbage

Start by heating the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onion and give it a gentle sauté until it’s translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Toss in the chopped cabbage, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if you’re using them, then stir everything together. Pour in the water or chicken broth, cover, and let this mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your cabbage is tender, soft, and packed with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the cabbage bubbles away, grab two mixing bowls. In one, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. In the other, beat the eggs and blend in 1/2 cup of milk. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the flour mix, stirring just until combined. If the dough seems too thick, add a splash more milk—it should be thick yet scoopable, holding together nicely on a spoon.

Step 3: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Once your cabbage is soft and smells irresistible, it’s time for the dumplings! Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover your pot tightly (no peeking!), and let everything steam together over low heat for 15 to 18 minutes. When you finally lift the lid, those dumplings will be puffed, tender, and ready to soak up the savory juices below.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

To serve, just spoon generous helpings of both cabbage and dumplings into bowls. Every serving is hearty and so comforting—perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings when you want everyone to feel right at home with the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe.

How to Serve Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a few extra caraway seeds can also turn each bowl into a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the table, consider serving with a hearty slice of rye bread, simple cucumber salad, or pickled beets. Each of these sides complements the flavors and adds a lovely balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the cabbage and dumplings into a rustic oven-safe dish, bake briefly to toast the tops, and serve family-style. Or, pack individual ramekins for cozy single servings that make everyone feel extra special. Whichever way you choose, the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe always stands out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe is how well leftovers keep! Simply transfer any extras into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavors will only get deeper overnight, making this dish even more satisfying the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen over gentle heat. Dumplings may be a bit softer, but the taste is every bit as nostalgic and comforting.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze: warm the cabbage and dumplings gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. For extra crispness, pan-fry leftovers until golden and warmed through. Either way, you’ll rediscover why this classic is such a family favorite.

FAQs

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to brown some ground sausage or bacon and mix it into the cabbage before adding the dumplings. The flavors melt together beautifully, creating an even heartier version of the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe.

What’s the best way to make the dumplings fluffy?

Be careful not to overmix the dough—stir just until the ingredients come together. The baking powder provides the lift, and a well-measured balance of milk ensures your dumplings stay tender and light.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a neutral oil and use your favorite non-dairy milk for the dumplings. The result will still be delicious, so everyone at the table can enjoy the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe.

How can I tell when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be puffed up and firm to the touch after steaming, with a soft, bread-like interior. Resist lifting the lid while they cook—trapped steam is key for perfect dumplings!

Is the caraway seed essential?

Caraway seeds are traditional and add lovely depth, but the recipe is fantastic even without them. If you’re not a fan, just leave them out or replace with a touch of dill for a different herbal note.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, foolproof dish that brings people together around the table, you simply can’t go wrong with the Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe. Every bite is a little taste of heritage and warmth—so grab your ingredients, invite someone you love, and enjoy!

Volga German Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the comforting flavors of Volga German cuisine with this hearty Cabbage and Dumplings recipe. Tender cabbage simmered with savory seasonings topped with fluffy dumplings, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Main Dish Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion diced
1 small head green cabbage chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1/2 cup water or chicken broth

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk

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Instructions

Sauté Onion and Cabbage: In a large pot, melt butter and cook diced onion until softened. Add cabbage, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Pour in water or broth, cover, and simmer until tender.
Prepare Dumpling Dough: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and milk. Stir wet ingredients into dry to form a thick dough.
Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the cabbage mixture. Steam covered for 15–18 minutes until dumplings are cooked.
Serve: Spoon cabbage and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm.