We’ve all stared into the abyss of our pantry, willing it to morph into a gourmet meal—this recipe answers that plea. Transform a basic can of soup and instant sorghum into a hearty, budget-friendly dish for under $2 per serving, skipping takeout fees and stove cleanup.
Better yet? You’ll go from “hungry” to “fed” faster than your microwave can beep. Let’s talk instant sorghum’s nutty crunch, avoiding soup explosions, and flavor-boosting hacks.
This article covers ingredient swaps, microwave times, and fixes for common mishaps (we’ve all had soggy grain days).
Jump To:
Cheap Microwave Canned Soup with Instant Sorghum
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes250
kcal15
minutesThis cheap and easy recipe brings together the convenience of microwave cooking and the hearty texture of instant sorghum. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, it requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it accessible for anyone looking to save money while enjoying a delicious meal.
Ingredients
of your favorite canned soup (such as tomato
vegetable
or chicken)
instant sorghum
water
salt and pepper to taste
toppings (such as grated cheese
herbs
or croutons).
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of instant sorghum with 2 cups of water, stir well to mix, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, microwave on high for 5 minutes, remove from the microwave and let it sit for another 5 minutes to absorb the water, while the sorghum is resting, pour the canned soup into another microwave-safe bowl, microwave the soup on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly, once the sorghum has absorbed all the water, fluff it with a fork and mix in the heated soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, serve hot, topping with your choice of optional ingredients..
Notes
- Feel free to use any canned soup you enjoy; this recipe is very versatile. You can also adjust the amount of sorghum based on your preference for a thicker or soupier consistency. This recipe is perfect for a quick and nourishing meal, especially on a budget.
What is Instant Sorghum?
Instant sorghum is pre-cooked, dehydrated whole grain sorghum that cooks in 3-5 minutes—a pantry MVP for microwave warriors. Unlike traditional sorghum (which simmers 50-60 minutes), this version skips the marathon soak-and-boil routine. Think of it as the “instant oatmeal” of ancient grains.
Quick Cooking Grain for Microwave Meals
My Aunt Clarice swears by it for her “emergency carb stash.” During a chaotic family potluck, she once whipped up 8 servings in a glass bowl while arguing with my uncle about football scores. Key ratios: 1/4 cup dry instant sorghum + 3/4 cup water = fluffy, nutty base ready in 3 minutes.
What Does Canned Soup With Sorghum Taste Like?
Imagine your standard canned chicken noodle—but with toasted, popcorn-like crunch from sorghum. The grain’s earthy notes cut through salty broths, while its texture resists sogginess better than rice or pasta. Budget bonus: sorghum bulks up soups by 40% without diluting flavor. For a quick meal solution, consider lazy microwave canned chicken noodle soup. It’s an easy way to enjoy comfort food in just a few minutes.
Balancing Savory Soup and Nutty Grains
At Clarice’s 50th birthday, she served tomato soup with sorghum instead of grilled cheese. Skeptical cousins became converts after one bite—the chewy grains added depth to the bright acidity. Pro tip: Pair creamy soups (like mushroom or creamy tomato soup) with sorghum’s grit, or brothy ones (vegetable beef) with its subtle sweetness.
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down the $1.75-per-bowl math and must-have ingredients. For a quick and delicious choice, consider how easy it is to prepare a bulgur salad in the microwave. It makes for a perfect summer meal packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients for Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Sorghum
Our formula requires just 4 staples: 1 can of soup (10.5-14 oz), ¼ cup instant sorghum, water, and a microwave-safe bowl. But pantry flexibility is key—I once subbed ramen seasoning packets when my cream of chicken expired. Desperate times! For a quick meal solution, consider cheap microwave canned soup or instant ramen, which can also save the day when you’re short on time. These options provide a flavorful, easy-to-make alternative that can be ready in minutes.
Essential Components and Substitutes
No instant sorghum? Instant barley or quick-cook farro work, though cooking times vary. For gluten-free needs, opt for certified GF sorghum. Canned soup choices matter: stick with low-sodium versions if possible (you’ll adjust salt later). My college hack? Dollar-store cream of celery + sorghum = $1.42 per meal. If you’re looking for an even quicker meal, consider cheap microwave canned soup paired with instant barley for a nourishing dish. This combination offers both convenience and flavor, making it a budget-friendly option for busy days.
Affordable Topping Alternatives
Crushed tortilla chips add crunch for $0.10/serving. Got leftover fast-food sauce packets? Swirl in Sriracha mayo or ketchup. During a snowstorm lockdown, I topped mine with freezer-burned corn niblets—charred them lightly with 20-second microwave bursts for “grilled” flavor. For a quick and cheap snack, try adding melted cheese on top of those crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful twist.
Also See: Beachy Banana Splits With Microwave Chocolate Drizzle
How to Make Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Sorghum
This isn’t gourmet—it’s survival cuisine with flair. Total active time: 7 minutes. Proximity to microwave required. Apron optional. Transforming simple leftovers into something extraordinary is easier than it seems. With a few clever microwave tricks, those unappetizing meals can become delightful gourmet creations.
Step 1: Microwaving Instant Sorghum
Combine ¼ cup sorghum + ¾ cup water in a 2-quart bowl. Nuke uncovered for 3 minutes at full power (1200W). Let it sit 1 minute—steam finishes hydration. Fluff with a fork to separate grains. If it’s still crunchy, add 1 tbsp water and zap 30 seconds more. When you’re in a rush, pairing it with lazy microwave frozen chicken tenders creates a quick and satisfying meal. The instant sorghum serves as a nutritious base that perfectly complements the crispy tenders.
Step 2: Heating Canned Soup Safely
Dump soup into another microwave-safe vessel (not the can!). Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent splatter. Heat 2 minutes on high, then stir. Caution: Cream-based soups volcano faster than broth. Pause every 45 seconds to stir unless you enjoy scrubbing lentil explosions. For a delicious and quick meal option, try a simple microwave soup recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients.
Step 3: Combining Soup and Sorghum
Mix ½ cup cooked sorghum into hot soup. Taste before adding more—sorghum swells! My roommate once turned minestrone into cement by over-graining. Ratio rule: 1:3 sorghum-to-soup keeps textures balanced. Reserve extra grain for tomorrow’s “remix” lunch. For a quick twist, try adding lazy microwave canned tuna to your dish. Instant sorghum can make for a nutritious and convenient base, enhancing both protein and flavor in your meals.
Tips for Avoiding Splatters and Overcooking
Microwave at 80% power if your model runs hot. Use a plate as a splatter shield instead of plastic wrap (no BPA worries). For cream soups, stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat. Burnt edges? Scrape them into the trash, not your bowl—we’re frugal, not feral. It’s important to be aware of how hot microwaves can get, especially when heating liquids. Proper microwave settings can help prevent overheating and ensure your food is warmed evenly.
Also See: Lazy Microwave Chicken Nuggets With Instant Kamut

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all created sorghum bricks or soup sludge. Here’s how to salvage dinner without DoorDash.
Soggy Sorghum or Over-thickened Soup Solutions
Drain excess liquid from sorghum using a colander—shake vigorously. For cement-like soup, stir in hot water 1 tbsp at a time until it loosens. Last Tuesday’s potato soup rescue required 4 tbsps and a prayer, but it worked!
Adjusting Seasonings After Microwaving
Canned soups lose nuance during nuking. Add brightness: ½ tsp lemon juice per cup revives flat flavors. Too salty? Toss in uncooked sorghum to absorb excess sodium as it sits. My 2019 “salt lick” incident taught me this—RIP that batch. For a quick and economical meal, consider pairing canned soup with instant sorghum, which cooks perfectly in the microwave and enhances the overall taste.
Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk keeping leftovers edible past Thursday.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!
This cheap microwave canned soup with instant sorghum is a game-changer for quick, budget-friendly meals. With just a few minutes and minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty bowl that’s both filling and flavorful.
Give it a try and tweak the toppings or grains to match your taste. We’d love to hear how your microwave sorghum soup turns out—happy microwaving!


