There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of cabbage soup, especially when it comes together with just a few pantry staples. The Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is exactly that kind of magic—a humble, hearty, and wholesome soup that highlights the fresh crunch of green cabbage balanced with silky onions and a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re new to cooking cabbage or looking for a fuss-free recipe with real depth of flavor, this soup will quickly become your go-to on chilly days or when you need a clean, nourishing meal. Plus, it’s as easy as it sounds, making it a winner for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is how each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture—nothing more, nothing less. From the butter’s richness to the tender crunch of cabbage, these basics come together to create something special.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base and helps soften the onions beautifully; use dairy-free butter for a vegan twist.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth as it gently cooks.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Creates a subtle thickening effect, giving the soup body without being heavy; gluten-free flour works just as well.
- 1 medium head green cabbage (cored and roughly chopped): The star of the dish, providing fresh crunch and earthy flavor that transforms as it simmers.
- 8 cups water: The base of the soup, infusing all ingredients with a light, comforting broth.
- 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon (Chicken or Vegetable): Boosts umami and depth, making the broth deliciously savory; choose vegetable for a vegan version.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the gentle sweetness of the soup.
How to Make Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Onions
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it gently, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes. This step develops sweetness and forms the flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Flour and Cook Out the Raw Taste
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and helps create a slightly thickened texture in your soup, making it more satisfying and smooth.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Add Cabbage
Pour in the water along with the Better Than Bouillon and give everything a good stir to combine. Toss in the roughly chopped cabbage, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer until the cabbage is tender, roughly 20 minutes.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
After the cabbage has softened, taste your soup and season it with kosher salt and black pepper to your liking. This is where the soup really comes alive, so don’t be shy to adjust seasoning gradually until it feels just right.
How to Serve Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe, consider toppings like fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or dill for a bright contrast. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add silky richness. For a vegan option, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread or warm crusty rolls—perfect for dipping and soaking up every tasty drop. A light side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements it wonderfully, adding freshness and variety to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into individual bread bowls or serve in colorful mugs for an inviting presentation at casual gatherings. You can also transform this simple soup into a heartier meal by adding cooked beans or shredded chicken just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s a real treat to enjoy later in the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when cooking from scratch feels like too much.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water if the soup thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use red or purple cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red or purple cabbage will give your soup a different hue and a slightly earthier flavor, but the Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe works great with those varieties as well.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it can be easily made vegan by substituting the salted butter with dairy-free butter and using vegetable Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken. The soup remains just as flavorful and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or potatoes during the simmering step to add more texture and flavor. Just be mindful that adding more ingredients goes beyond the simplicity of the original recipe.
How thick is the soup supposed to be?
The soup has a brothy consistency with a slight thickness from the flour, making it light yet comforting—perfect for spooning up warm goodness without feeling heavy.
What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?
If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead. Just make sure to adjust the salt accordingly so the flavor stays balanced in your Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Cabbage Soup (5 Ingredients) Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, easy enough to make any time but hearty and flavorful enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Once you try it, I’m certain it’ll find a permanent spot on your recipe rotation. Give it a go and enjoy the simple, wholesome joy this humble cabbage soup brings to your table!
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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
This Simple Cabbage Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish made with just five main ingredients. It features tender cabbage simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with sautéed onions and a touch of butter. Perfect for a light lunch or an easy dinner, this soup is quick to prepare and can be made vegan by using dairy-free butter and vegetable bouillon.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
- 8 cups water
- 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon (Chicken or Vegetable to make it vegan)
- 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 is soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor of the flour, forming a light roux.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the water and stir in the Better Than Bouillon. Add the roughly 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, and let simmer until the cabbage is tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot for a delicious and warming meal.
Notes
- To make the soup vegan, use dairy-free butter and vegetable-based Better Than Bouillon.
- If gluten-free is required, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves during simmering for extra flavor.
