If you’re craving a comforting, nourishing meal without a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen, this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s the perfect bowl of warmth that celebrates the delicious simplicity of cabbage simmered gently with aromatic onions and a savory broth base. Whether you’re looking for a crisp, light lunch or a soothing dinner, this soup delivers big flavors while keeping things wonderfully straightforward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These five ingredients may seem humble, but each one plays a vital role in building the rich, comforting flavor and satisfying texture of this soup. From the creamy butter to the hearty cabbage, every component enhances the dish in a meaningful way.
- Salted butter: Adds a smooth, rich base that elevates the onions and creates a luscious mouthfeel.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor when gently sautéed.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup slightly and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, providing a satisfying crunch and earthy, fresh notes.
- Better Than Bouillon (Chicken or Vegetable): Serves as a flavorful, concentrated broth that makes this soup hearty and delicious.
How to Make Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions in Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness without any browning, which sets a delicate flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add and Cook the Flour
Sprinkle the tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and stir constantly for about two minutes. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and helps create a subtle thickening agent for the soup’s broth, resulting in a silky texture that clings softly to the tender cabbage.
Step 3: Add Cabbage, Water, and Bouillon
Pour in the water along with the Better Than Bouillon paste, then stir in the roughly chopped cabbage. Turn the heat up to medium to bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and absorb the savory broth’s flavors.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Once the cabbage is tender, give the soup a taste and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference. The seasoning helps balance the umami richness and brightens the natural flavors, making each spoonful perfectly satisfying.
How to Serve Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe even more inviting, consider topping it with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh burst of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can add creaminess and richness that pairs wonderfully with the mellow cabbage.
Side Dishes
This soup deserves company that complements its gentle flavor profile. Crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side of roasted vegetables make excellent partners. For a more filling meal, a simple green salad or a handful of crunchy croutons adds texture and balance perfectly with the warmth of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes for a subtle kick. For a cozy touch, pair it with a small ramekin of grated cheese on the side, letting everyone add their own sprinkle. It’s a simple dish with an inviting personality that shines with little finishing touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavors and keep the cabbage tender without becoming mushy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe freezes well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm up leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheating slowly helps preserve the cabbage’s texture and keeps the flavors nicely balanced without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will give the soup a beautiful color twist and a slightly earthier flavor. Just keep in mind that the color may bleach a bit during cooking, but the delicious taste remains.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it can be easily made vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using the vegetable version of Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken. The soup remains wonderfully flavorful and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
While this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe shines in its simplicity, feel free to add diced carrots or celery if you want a little extra crunch and color. Just keep the other flavors balanced by adjusting seasonings.
How thick or thin is this soup?
This soup has a light to medium consistency—not too thick, but with a gentle body from the flour. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can reduce the flour slightly or add more water.
What is Better Than Bouillon, and can I use regular broth instead?
Better Than Bouillon is a concentrated paste that adds deep flavor with less sodium and preservatives compared to some store-bought broths. You can substitute with your favorite broth, but you might need to adjust salt levels accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about a bowl of Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe that just feels like home. It’s a reminder that delicious, nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. I genuinely hope you try this recipe and fall in love with how effortless yet satisfying it is. Your kitchen (and your soul) will thank you for it!
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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, comforting cabbage soup featuring just five main ingredients and a quick 45-minute prep time. This easy recipe uses butter and onions to build flavor, with flour to thicken the broth, and a choice of chicken or vegetable bouillon for a savory base. Perfect for a light, wholesome meal that serves six.
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 & Broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
- 8 cups water
- 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon (chicken or vegetable for vegan option)
Seasonings
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook it for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and start thickening the soup. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Liquid and Cabbage: Pour in the 8 cups of water, then add the Better Than Bouillon. Stir well to combine. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently until the cabbage is tender, approximately 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Stir well and serve hot.
Notes
- To make this soup vegan, substitute salted butter with a plant-based butter and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken.
- Using gluten-free flour makes this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or lentils after simmering.
