Ultimate Chinese ABC Soup: A Recipe for Comfort in Every Bowl

Main Ingredients for a Traditional ABC Soup

ABC soup is typically prepared with either chicken or pork ribs, making it more than just a vegetable soup. Its universal flavor is mild, making it a favorite among children. This soup is particularly popular in Cantonese households, cherished for its comforting nature and rich nutritional value.

• Main ingredients: The essential ingredients are tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots. This trio is necessary for the soup to be considered authentic ABC soup.
• Optional vegetables: You may also add onion chunks and sweet corn, although the combination of tomato, potato, and carrot alone is sufficient for the soup’s signature flavor.
• Meat: As this is not a strictly vegetarian soup, protein is typically added in the form of pork ribs or chicken pieces with bones. Options include chicken drumsticks, chicken breast meat, pork ribs, or pork bones. I prefer chicken for its health benefits, but pork bones impart a richer flavor. You can also remove the skin to reduce excess fat, or use boneless meat if desired. A simpler version can be made using store-bought chicken broth, though it won’t have the same authentic taste as the traditional method.
• Seasoning: The seasoning is straightforward, consisting of just salt and pepper. Ground white pepper can be sprinkled in for ease, but whole peppercorns provide a deeper flavor.

How to Prepare the Chinese ABC Soup

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Chinese ABC soup at home.

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Meat

• Cut the tomato into wedges or thick slices. Skinning is optional.
• Peel the carrots and slice them into wedges or thick diagonal pieces.
• Peel the potato and cut it into large chunks, about one-inch cubes. Place the potato in water to prevent discoloration.
• Slice the onion into thick pieces or cut it into chunks.

2. Blanch the Chicken for a Clear Broth

• Place the bone-in chicken pieces in a large pot of boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove any scum that rises to the surface with a fine mesh strainer. This step helps achieve a clear broth.
• Rinse the chicken under running water to ensure the final soup is clean and free of debris.

3. Simmer the ABC Soup

• Transfer the blanched chicken to a slow cooker. Add approximately one liter of cold water or enough to cover the chicken. Allow it to come to a boil again and let it cook slowly for 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Skim off any impurities that float to the top.
• Add the onions, carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes. Cover and let it cook until the vegetables are tender. This will take about an hour in a slow cooker, but it should be quicker on a gas stove.
• If desired, add black or white peppercorns, but you may want to omit them for young children.
• Season the soup with salt, then transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy.

Helpful Tips to Elevate Your ABC Soup

1. The flavor of the chicken remains unaffected by blanching, which only takes a few minutes. Some home cooks skip this step for convenience, but I recommend blanching pork to eliminate any unwanted odor if you choose to use it instead of chicken.
2. A stockpot on the stove can be used instead of a slow cooker. The process remains the same, but you will need to adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Be prepared to add more water as it evaporates more quickly than in a slow cooker.
3. For a quicker option, consider pressure cooking the soup in a multicooker using the soup setting.
4. I prefer using a slow cooker for convenience, as it maintains a steady simmer without the need for constant heat adjustments.
5. Using bone-in chicken or pork enhances the soup’s flavor and nutrition.
6. Keep the heat low enough to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps keep the meat tender and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy. High heat can toughen the meat.
7. While MSG or other flavor enhancers like store-bought chicken stock can be used, I recommend against them for a healthier soup.
8. Removing the skin from chicken pieces makes the soup healthier by reducing oil content.

How Do You Serve ABC Soup?

This soup is easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients, including vegetables, protein, and a variety of vitamins. It can be served as a standalone meal, and in Chinese culture, it is often accompanied by steamed rice.

Variations for This ABC Soup Recipe

There are numerous ways to prepare ABC soup, with each family having its own unique version. Here are some suggestions:

• The vegetarian version: Consider starting with vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also include sweet corn and celery, and double the amount of onion.
• Use pork or anchovies: Substitute chicken with pork or anchovies, or even combine both for a versatile recipe.
• Other suggestions: Adding dried cuttlefish can enhance the flavor significantly. Some families include red dates and goji berries, although I prefer to omit these to let the flavors of the carrot, tomato, and potato shine. Feel free to add any leftover ingredients you have on hand.

Common Questions About the Chinese ABC Soup

1. Can I refrigerate the soup? Yes, you can store ABC soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. When ready to serve, add a few tablespoons of water and gently heat it over low heat until it boils.
2. Is it better to double-boil the soup for a better result? The flavor is enhanced with the double-boil method, but cooking it directly on the stove at a gentle simmer is more practical for everyday use.
3. What type of potato should I use? Both starchy and waxy potatoes work well. I prefer less starchy varieties to keep the soup clear, but personal preference may vary.
4. Does ABC soup originate from Malaysia? Many believe it originated in Malaysia, but my mother, who is from Hong Kong, has been making this soup since my childhood.

Other Related Traditional Chinese Soups

If you enjoy this soup, you might also like to try other nutritious Chinese soups featured on this blog. Here are my recommendations:

• Chinese-style chicken herbal soup: Known for its health benefits, this recipe has been a family favorite for decades.
• Winter melon soup: This refreshing and comforting soup is adapted from my mother’s recipe, which she prepared for our family when I was young.

The Southeast Asian Vegetable ABC Soup is Not a Pasta Soup

This Asian ABC soup should not be confused with Western-style alphabet soup, which contains small pastas shaped like the letters A, B, and C.

The term “ABC” in Asian ABC soup refers to the vitamins A, B, and C found in the ingredients. In contrast, the Western ABC pasta soup is named after the letter-shaped pasta it contains.

In Asia, “ABC soup” almost exclusively refers to a clear, vegetable-based soup, like the one presented in this recipe.