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

be added with the water, or a splash of apple cider vinegar stirred in at the end brightens the dish without making it fussy.

Variation ingredients for cabbage and potatoes on a kitchen counter

For a creamier texture, lightly mash some of the potatoes into the broth right in the slow cooker, creating a thicker, stew-like base around the cabbage. Leftovers can be turned into a rustic soup the next day by adding a bit more water or broth and gently simmering on the stovetop until heated through.

If you’re feeding a mixed table, serve this as the comforting vegetable centerpiece and let people add their own extras at the table: grated cheese, a knob of extra butter, or sliced cooked sausage on the side.