German comfort food meets healthy eating in this Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe. Bursting with hearty flavors, tender cabbage, and pillowy low-carb dumplings, this dish offers a keto-friendly twist on a traditional German classic. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or a festive family meal, it’s a dish that warms both body and soul. The rich aroma of sautéed cabbage with garlic and caraway seeds, combined with cheesy, almond flour dumplings, makes this a standout recipe that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Whether you’re on a keto diet, seeking gluten-free options, or just craving a wholesome German meal, this Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe delivers unmatched flavor without the carb overload. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an easy, hearty meal that your entire family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings
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Flavor-packed: The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and caraway seeds creates authentic German flavors.
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Low carb & keto-friendly: Almond flour dumplings replace traditional flour, keeping it diet-friendly.
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Quick & easy: Prep and cook in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
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Healthy & nutritious: High in fiber, moderate protein, and packed with vitamins from fresh cabbage.
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Budget-friendly: Minimal ingredients, mostly pantry staples, with a satisfying outcome.
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Family-approved: Comfort food for everyone—kids and adults alike.
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Customizable: Add bacon, sausage, or extra spices for a flavor twist.
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Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings
For the Cabbage:
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1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (or use savoy for extra tenderness)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but traditional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup almond flour
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
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Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for added flavor
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:
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Almond flour ensures a low-carb, gluten-free dumpling—coconut flour can be used with adjustments.
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Parmesan adds umami and helps bind the dough; for dairy-free, try nutritional yeast.
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Caraway seeds can be substituted with fennel seeds or omitted entirely for milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions and garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in chopped cabbage and caraway seeds. Cook until tender, around 10–15 minutes.
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Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste frequently to adjust seasoning.
Science Tip: Caramelizing onions brings out natural sugars, enhancing the dish’s savory depth without added carbs.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond flour, eggs, Parmesan, and nutmeg.
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Mix until a sticky dough forms. If too wet, add a tablespoon more almond flour.
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Shape dough into small walnut-sized dumplings.
3. Cook the Dumplings
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Add the dumplings to the skillet with cabbage, spacing them evenly.
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Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, or until dumplings are firm and cooked through.
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Avoid lifting the lid too often; steam is essential for dumpling texture.
Sensory Cue: Dumplings are done when they are springy to the touch and opaque in color.
Pro Tips for Perfect Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings
How Can I Make This Dish More Flavorful?
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar during cabbage cooking to enhance tang and depth.
Can I Add Protein?
Absolutely! Sliced sausage, bacon, or diced chicken can be added before cooking the cabbage.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes. Cooked cabbage and dumplings freeze well. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Expert Tip:
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution, which ensures dumplings cook evenly without burning the cabbage.
Best Ways to Serve Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings
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As a standalone meal for a light, comforting dinner.
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Paired with a side of keto-friendly bread or roasted sausages.
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Garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 12g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbs: 8g (Net Carbs: 6g)
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a sprinkle of water to avoid dryness.
FAQs About Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings
Q1: Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes. Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Q2: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With almond flour dumplings, this dish is low in carbs and fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Q3: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, but fresh chopped cabbage provides better texture and flavor.
Q4: How do I make the dumplings fluffier?
Whip the eggs slightly before mixing into the almond flour; this introduces air and lightens the texture.
Recipe Variations
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the cabbage.
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Cabbage Soup Style: Add chicken broth to create a comforting stew with dumplings floating on top.
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Holiday Version: Mix in caramelized onions and a few cooked bacon bits for festive flavor.
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Regional Twist: Use savoy cabbage and smoked sausage for a traditional Bavarian feel.
Conclusion
This Low Carb German Cabbage and Dumplings recipe is a heartwarming, flavorful, and low-carb spin on a beloved classic. With tender cabbage, cheesy almond dumplings, and aromatic spices, it’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds and fit your dietary goals.