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There is something truly comforting and downright satisfying about a warm bowl of Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe. This humble soup combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the rich depth of a flavorful broth, bringing together just five straightforward ingredients to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply want a no-fuss meal, this soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, hearty bowl without fuss or complexity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color without overwhelming you in the kitchen. Let’s walk through the essentials that make this soup shine.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts down to add rich creaminess and helps soften the onions for a mellow, sweet base.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Brings aromatic depth and natural sweetness that balances cabbage’s earthiness perfectly.
- All purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Acts as a subtle thickener, giving the broth a bit more body for a satisfying texture; gluten-free flour works just as well!
- Medium head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped (1): The star of the show, this adds fresh crunch, vibrant color, and hearty goodness.
- Water (8 cups): The simple base that lets all other flavors blend together beautifully without being heavy.
- Better Than Bouillon (3 tablespoons): A powerful flavor booster, choose Chicken or Vegetable version to keep the soup vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and a hint of spice to round off the profile.
How to Make Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Gently Soften the Onion
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and fragrant but not browned—this usually takes about five minutes. This step builds an inviting, sweet flavor base that’s key to the soup’s overall warmth.
Step 2: Create a Light Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and stir continuously for about two minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste while helping the broth thicken subtly, giving the soup an approachable, velvety texture you’ll adore.
Step 3: Add Liquid, Bouillon, and Cabbage
Pour in the water and dissolve the Better Than Bouillon into the pot. Toss in the chopped cabbage and turn the heat to medium. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and lower the heat to a medium-low simmer. Let the soup gently cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and everything melds into a cozy, flavor-packed broth.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Once the cabbage is tender, taste the soup and add kosher salt and black pepper as needed. This final seasoning step ensures your Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe bursts with just the right amount of savory depth and gentle spice every single time.
How to Serve Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper on top can give your soup a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil complements it beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm, buttered toast to soak up that savory broth. For a heartier meal, serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to add variety and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this soup in charming individual bowls or bread bowls for an inviting, rustic touch. You can also top with toasted nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender cabbage nicely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe handy for longer, it freezes wonderfully. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will maintain its delicious flavor for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat until hot. Avoid boiling vigorously to preserve the cabbage’s tender texture. A splash of water or broth can be added if the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the salted butter for a dairy-free alternative and use vegetable Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken to keep everything plant-based without losing flavor.
Is it necessary to use flour in this recipe?
While optional, the flour helps thicken the broth slightly, lending the soup a more satisfying body. If you prefer, you can omit the flour, but the texture will be a bit lighter and brothier.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can, but fresh cabbage that’s roughly chopped holds up better during cooking and delivers a nicer texture that’s tender yet not mushy.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
Consider stirring in cooked beans, diced potatoes, or small pasta shapes during the last few minutes of cooking for extra substance and variety.
How spicy is this soup?
The Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is naturally mild and comforting. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a straightforward, cozy soup that showcases the natural beauty of simple ingredients, this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is a gem waiting to be a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, wholesome, and welcoming—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet night. Give it a try and let its comforting flavors make your day just a little brighter.
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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: Low Calorie
Description
This Simple Cabbage Soup recipe is a warm, hearty, and easy-to-make dish with only five core ingredients. It combines sautéed onions, cabbage, and a flavorful broth base thickened slightly with flour, making it a comforting low-calorie soup perfect for a light meal or as a starter. The recipe is versatile and can be made vegan by using dairy-free butter and vegetable bouillon.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (or dairy-free butter to make it vegan)
- 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 to make it 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 frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent but not browned, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir well. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and slightly thicken the base.
- Combine Ingredients and Boil: Pour in the water and stir in the Better Than Bouillon. Add the roughly chopped cabbage to the pot. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently until the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust with kosher salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, simple cabbage soup.
Notes
- To make this soup vegan, substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free butter and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.
- Using gluten-free flour makes this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves during simmering for extra flavor.
