If you have been craving a cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that’s as wholesome as it is easy, this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With just five essential ingredients, this soup comes together quickly yet manages to deliver a rich, satisfying flavor and a lightness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want nourishing food without fuss, this soup highlights cabbage’s natural sweetness and pairs it beautifully with a savory broth that you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this heartwarming soup, you only need five essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor. Each one is simple but brings something important to the table, whether it’s creamy richness, subtle sweetness, or savory depth.
- Salted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps sauté the onion perfectly without browning too quickly.
- Medium onion: Brings sweetness and a lovely aromatic base that gently infuses the soup.
- All purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent to give the broth a smooth, comforting texture.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, this vegetable offers crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor when cooked down.
- Better Than Bouillon (chicken or vegetable): Provides a rich, savory base that turns simple water into delicious broth.
How to Make Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Gently Sauté the Onion
Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it slowly, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and translucent but not browned. This gentle cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness and forms a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Stir in the Flour
Sprinkle in the tablespoon of all purpose flour and stir continuously for about two minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and will help thicken the soup later, creating a luscious texture that coats every spoonful beautifully.
Step 3: Add Water, Bouillon, and Cabbage
Pour in the water and whisk in your Better Than Bouillon until fully dissolved, enhancing the broth with savory, deep flavor. Then, add the roughly chopped cabbage, raise the heat to medium, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low to let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes — just enough to soften the cabbage to tender perfection.
Step 4: Season to Taste
After the vegetables are tender, give your soup a good stir and taste it. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper little by little until it suits your preferences perfectly. This simple final seasoning boosts all the flavors and makes the soup irresistible.
How to Serve Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds freshness and color. For a bit of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of coconut yogurt (for a vegan twist) makes every bite extra comforting. Cracked black pepper on top can brighten up the flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad or roasted root vegetables also complement it well, balancing the lightness of the soup with some textures and hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an inviting presentation that feels special yet effortless. Another idea is layering the soup over cooked grains like quinoa or barley in a bowl to make it a heartier meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop further the next day, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup on hand for longer, it freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need a quick, wholesome meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the salted butter for a plant-based alternative and use the vegetable Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken. You’ll get all the flavor with a vegan-friendly twist.
Is it possible to add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely, though the charm of this recipe is its simplicity. Feel free to toss in some carrots, potatoes, or celery to bulk it up, but keep in mind that will change the flavor and might require a bit more cooking time.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked enough?
The cabbage should be tender but not mushy, which usually happens after about 20 minutes of simmering. Give a piece a gentle bite to test — it should have softened nicely while still holding some texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can! Just be aware that pre-shredded cabbage might break down more during cooking, leading to a softer texture. It’s a convenient shortcut that still tastes fantastic.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if I want it heartier?
If you want a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with equal parts flour and water and stir it in near the end of cooking, or try blending a portion of the soup and mixing it back in for a creamy texture without additional ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe truly proves how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something deliciously comforting and downright satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this soup invites you to enjoy a bowl that warms both body and soul. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a comforting staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine!
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Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting cabbage soup recipe made with just 5 main ingredients. This easy-to-make soup features tender cabbage cooked in a flavorful broth thickened slightly with flour, perfect for a light and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (or dairy-free butter for vegan option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
- 8 cups water
- 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon (Chicken or Vegetable for vegan)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add and cook the flour: Sprinkle the flour into the pot with the onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps slightly thicken the soup later.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Pour in the water and stir in the Better Than Bouillon. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and vegetable Better Than Bouillon.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour to make the soup gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference; adding herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
