ABC Soup (Chicken & Veggie Soup) – Nourishing Asian Comfort Food

If you’re craving something warm, light, and deeply nourishing, ABC Soup is the answer. Popular in Chinese and Southeast Asian home cooking, this humble but hearty soup gets its name from its simplicity—it’s as easy as A-B-C to make. Typically made with chicken, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes, ABC Soup is simmered until everything is meltingly tender, creating a broth that’s naturally sweet, savory, and full of comfort.

Often served with rice or on its own, this soup is a favorite in Malaysian, Singaporean, and Chinese households, especially for families with kids or anyone recovering from illness. But make no mistake—this light, wholesome meal is loved by all ages.

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Ingredients Overview

What makes ABC Soup so iconic is how few ingredients it needs to produce such rich flavor. Here’s a look at each key ingredient:

Chicken

The traditional protein in ABC Soup is bone-in chicken—commonly chicken drumsticks, thighs, or even a whole leg quarter.

• Bones add depth and body to the broth

• Skin-on pieces offer richer flavor, but skinless works too for a lighter soup

• You can also use pork ribs for variation

Carrots

Sliced into thick rounds, carrots release natural sweetness as they simmer.

• Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants

• Add color, softness, and a gentle earthy flavor

Potatoes

Soft, starchy potatoes make the soup hearty.

• Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for creaminess

• Add body to the soup without needing thickening agents

Tomatoes

Tomatoes add acidity and subtle tang, balancing the sweetness from the carrots and potatoes.

• Use ripe plum tomatoes, cut into wedges

• You can also use cherry tomatoes or even a spoon of tomato paste if needed

Onion & Garlic

Foundational aromatics that deepen the flavor.

• Add sliced yellow or red onions for natural sweetness

• Garlic adds warmth—use whole smashed cloves for a mild infusion

Water or Broth

Many traditional recipes use plain water—the flavors develop fully without needing pre-made broth. However, you can use chicken broth for added richness.

Optional Add-ins

• Corn on the cob (cut into chunks) for extra sweetness

• Celery for added vegetable flavor

• Goji berries or dried dates for a Chinese herbal spin

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This soup is slow-simmered to draw out every ounce of goodness. Here’s how to make the perfect pot of ABC Soup:

1. Blanch the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add chicken pieces and blanch for 2–3 minutes to remove scum and impurities. Drain and rinse under cold water. This results in a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

While the chicken is blanching:

• Peel and cut 2 carrots into thick slices

• Peel and chop 2 medium potatoes into chunks

• Slice 1 onion

• Cut 2 tomatoes into wedges

• Smash 2 garlic cloves

3. Simmer the Soup

In a large pot, add:

• Blanched chicken

• All chopped vegetables

• 6–7 cups of water

• Salt to taste (start with 1 tsp)

Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until chicken is tender and veggies are soft but not mushy.

Skim off any foam or oil from the surface occasionally for a clearer broth.

4. Taste & Adjust

Add more salt if needed. Some families like a dash of white pepper or a splash of light soy sauce to finish.

5. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use bone-in chicken for the best flavor.

• Don’t overcook the potatoes—add them in the last 30 minutes if you like them firmer.

• Simmer gently—a rapid boil will cloud the soup and break down the veggies too quickly.

Popular Variations

• Pork ABC Soup: Swap chicken for pork ribs or pork neck bones.

• Corn-Added ABC Soup: Include corn rounds for sweetness and a pop of yellow.

• Herbal Version: Add goji berries or red dates for a Chinese medicine-inspired boost.

• Egg Drop ABC Soup: Whisk an egg and drizzle in at the end for extra protein.

Substitutions

• No tomatoes? Use a spoon of tomato paste or skip for a milder flavor.

• No potatoes? Use turnips, parsnips, or even chunks of cauliflower for a low-carb version.

• No chicken? Use tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist (but skip the blanching step).

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

ABC Soup is the ultimate anytime soup:

• Weeknight Dinner: Light and comforting without being too heavy

• Breakfast Soup: Yes—many Asian households enjoy soups like this in the morning

• Healing Food: Great for sick days, postpartum meals, or when you just want something gentle

• Family Meal: Kid-friendly and loaded with familiar flavors

Pair it with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice

• A side of stir-fried greens (like bok choy or gai lan)

• Savory pancakes or scallion flatbreads

• Toasted sourdough for fusion flair

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Nutritional & Health Notes

ABC Soup is naturally low in fat, rich in vitamins, and free from processed ingredients—a true whole-food recipe.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Bowl):

• Calories: ~200–250

• Protein: 18–22g (with chicken)

• Carbs: 15–20g (from potatoes and carrots)

• Fat: 6–8g

• Sodium: Varies with salt/broth used

Health Benefits

• Hydrating and mineral-rich due to long simmering time

• Anti-inflammatory garlic and onion

• Vitamin A and C from carrots and tomatoes

• Easily digestible—great for sensitive stomachs or recovery

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FAQ

1. Why is it called “ABC Soup”?

The name likely comes from its simplicity—like learning the alphabet. It’s also sometimes said to refer to the vitamins A, B, and C present in the ingredients (carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes).

2. Can I freeze ABC Soup?

Yes! Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just avoid freezing with potatoes if texture is a concern.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The result is ultra-tender chicken and deep flavor.

4. Can I use chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, but the soup may lack depth. You can add a bouillon cube or a bit of broth for extra flavor.

5. Is ABC Soup gluten-free?

Yes—naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t add soy sauce or processed seasonings that contain gluten.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

In the refrigerator, it keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave.

7. Can I add noodles?

Definitely. Add rice noodles, glass noodles, or egg noodles in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.

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