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German Cabbage and Dumplings (Kohlrouladen mit Knödeln) 🥬🍲
This hearty, comforting dish combines tender cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory filling and served with fluffy dumplings—a classic German meal perfect for chilly nights!
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
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1 large green or savoy cabbage (whole, cored)
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1 lb (450g) ground pork or beef (or a mix)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional)
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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2 cups beef or vegetable broth
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2 tbsp butter or oil
For the Dumplings (Semmelknödel):
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2 cups stale bread cubes (or rolls, diced)
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1 cup warm milk
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1 egg
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
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Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage:
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Bring a large pot of water to boil. Blanch the whole cabbage head for 5-7 mins until leaves soften.
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Peel off leaves carefully, trim thick stems, and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Filling:
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In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, rice, egg, caraway, paprika, salt & pepper.
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Place 1-2 tbsp filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly (like a burrito).
3️⃣ Cook the Rolls:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter/oil over medium heat.
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Add cabbage rolls, seam-side down, and brown lightly (2-3 mins).
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Pour in broth, cover, and simmer 30-40 mins until tender.
4️⃣ Make the Dumplings:
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Soak bread cubes in warm milk for 10 mins.
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Mix in egg, butter, parsley, nutmeg, salt & pepper. Form into golf-ball-sized dumplings.
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Drop into simmering salted water and cook 15-20 mins until firm.
5️⃣ Serve:
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Plate cabbage rolls with dumplings, drizzle with broth, and garnish with fresh parsley.
💡 Tips for Success
✔ Use savoy cabbage—it’s easier to roll!
✔ No stale bread? Toast fresh cubes in the oven first.
✔ Make ahead—cabbage rolls taste even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Comfort food at its best—warm, filling, and flavorful.
✅ Great for meal prep—freezes well!
✅ Authentic German taste—just like Oma used to make.
Perfect with: A cold German beer or apple cider! 🍻
(Want a vegetarian version? Swap meat for mushrooms & lentils!) 😊
