episode 3: waterless soup
episode 3: waterless soup is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by CR Sniper on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min
Cost: $14.10 total, $3.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 small head Napa Cabbage (roughly chopped, about 500 g)
- 1 large Onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 small Apple (cored and diced, about 150 g total)
- 2 inch piece Ginger (peeled and minced, about 20 g)
- 4 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
- 1 medium Parsnip (roughly chopped, about 150 g)
- 2 medium Carrot (roughly chopped, about 150 g)
- 2 stalks Celery (roughly chopped, about 100 g)
- 1 about 1.5 kg Whole Chicken (rinsed, patted dry, cut into pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Roughly chop the napa cabbage, onion, parsnip, carrots, and celery. Dice the apples, mince the ginger and garlic.
Time: PT15M
Prep the Chicken
Remove any giblets, rinse the whole chicken, pat dry, and cut into serving pieces.
Time: PT10M
Layer in the Pot
Place a bed of the chopped vegetables in the stock pot, then lay the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle ginger, garlic, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything.
Time: PT5M
Simmer the Soup
Set the pot over medium heat until a gentle simmer appears, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Adjust
After cooking, remove the chicken, shred or cut into bite‑size pieces, return to the pot, and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Time: PT10M
Serve
Ladle the hot broth, vegetables, and chicken into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly, Low-Carb
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Napa Cabbage: Bok Choy, Green Cabbage
- Instead of Onion: Leek, Shallot
- Instead of Apple: Pear
- Instead of Ginger: Galangal
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Parsnip: Turnip, Root celery
- Instead of Carrot: Sweet potato
- Instead of Celery: Fennel stalks
- Instead of Whole Chicken: Chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Curry powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Dried thyme
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Stock Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roughly chopping vegetables to release moisture
- Cutting the chicken into pieces for even cooking
- Keeping the pot tightly covered during simmer
Chef Tips from the Video
- A heavy‑bottomed stock pot retains heat better and reduces the chance of scorching.
- A small splash of apple cider vinegar at the start brightens the broth.
- Stir gently once during cooking to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
Troubleshooting
Broth is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for an additional 10‑15 minutes or add more moisture‑rich vegetables such as extra cabbage or carrots.
Chicken turns dry.
Make sure the lid is tightly sealed during cooking and avoid over‑cooking; check after 1 hour 20 minutes.
Soup is overly salty.
Add a splash of water or unsalted broth and increase the amount of vegetables to balance the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld; reheat gently on low heat.
- Portion and freeze individual servings for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Waterless Chicken Soup in modern home cooking?
Waterless Chicken Soup is a contemporary twist on traditional chicken broth that emphasizes natural vegetable moisture instead of added water. It reflects a growing interest in minimalist, nutrient‑dense cooking and aligns with the “less is more” philosophy popular in modern American home kitchens.
How does Waterless Chicken Soup differ from traditional chicken soup in terms of ingredients and preparation?
Traditional chicken soup usually adds a large amount of water or stock as the base, while Waterless Chicken Soup relies on the juices released by the chicken and water‑rich vegetables like napa cabbage, carrots, and apples. The preparation also involves tightly covering the pot to trap steam, creating a concentrated broth without extra liquid.
What traditional regional variations of chicken soup exist that inspire the waterless method?
Classic variations include Chinese “Gong Bao Ji Tang” with napa cabbage, Eastern European chicken broth with root vegetables, and Japanese “Tori no Suimono” that uses dashi‑rich ingredients. These versions all depend on vegetables releasing their own liquid, a principle the waterless method amplifies.
During which occasions or celebrations is chicken soup traditionally served, and how could Waterless Chicken Soup fit into those events?
Chicken soup is a staple for family gatherings, recovery meals, and holiday feasts in many cultures. Waterless Chicken Soup, being hearty yet lighter on added liquids, works well for winter holiday tables, post‑illness comfort meals, or as a starter for a festive dinner.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic chicken soup versus the substitutes used in Waterless Chicken Soup?
Traditional chicken soup often uses carrots, celery, onion, and plain water or stock. In Waterless Chicken Soup, the creator adds napa cabbage, apples, parsnip, and turmeric for extra flavor and moisture, while still keeping the core vegetables familiar to classic recipes.
What other soups pair well with Waterless Chicken Soup in a multi‑course meal?
A light miso soup or a chilled cucumber gazpacho can complement the rich Waterless Chicken Soup, offering contrasting temperatures and flavors while keeping the menu balanced.
How has the concept of waterless cooking evolved in contemporary cuisine?
Waterless cooking has grown from sous‑vide and pressure‑cooking techniques to stovetop methods that trap steam, preserving nutrients and intensifying flavors. Chefs now use tight‑fitting lids and moisture‑rich produce to create broth without added water, a trend reflected in this soup.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Waterless Chicken Soup?
Common errors include letting the pot boil vigorously, which can toughen the chicken, and using a loose lid that lets steam escape, resulting in a thin broth. Also, under‑seasoning the soup before the long simmer can leave it bland.
How do I know when the Waterless Chicken Soup is done cooking and the broth is flavorful?
The soup is ready when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F) and the vegetables have broken down, creating a thick, aromatic broth. Taste the broth; it should be savory with a hint of sweetness from the apples and a warm spice note from turmeric.
What does the YouTube channel CR Sniper specialize in and what is its cooking philosophy?
The YouTube channel CR Sniper focuses on inventive home‑cooking experiments, often taking viral or unconventional recipes and adapting them for everyday kitchens. Its philosophy emphasizes simplicity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to tweak recipes for personal taste.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
