My grandpa survived on this hearty 4-ingredient staple during tough times and still asks for it every spring. It is incredibly cheap to throw together

slow cooker, keeping it on the WARM setting if people will be helping themselves over time.

Because this recipe is so pared down, small changes can make it feel entirely new while still honoring the spirit of a four-ingredient staple. For a slightly richer dish, swap the water for a light vegetable or chicken broth; just be mindful of the salt level and adjust at the end.

If you grew up with a smokier version, you can tuck a single smoked ham hock or a few slices of bacon on top of the potatoes before adding the cabbage—this technically adds an ingredient, but it transforms the broth into something reminiscent of old-fashioned farmhouse cooking. To keep the ingredient list tight but punch up flavor, lean on your pantry: a bay leaf or a teaspoon of caraway seeds can