ABC Soup is a beloved Malaysian-Chinese comfort dish known for its simplicity, nourishment, and healing qualities. Made with chicken and a medley of root vegetables, this clear broth soup gets its name from the alphabet-like range of vitamins it contains: A (from carrots), B (from potatoes), and C (from tomatoes). It’s a one-pot, no-fuss, hearty soup perfect for both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Nutritious & wholesome: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from chicken and vegetables.
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One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal equipment needed.
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Great for all ages: Mild, comforting flavors that appeal to children and adults alike.
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Perfect for sick days: Warming and soothing when you’re under the weather.
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Customizable: You can swap or add vegetables based on preference or availability.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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450–500 grams chicken drumsticks (or chicken with bones)
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1 potato, cut into large cubes
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1 carrot, cut into large cubes
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2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
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1 onion, cut into large cubes
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1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced
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1 stick celery, thinly sliced
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
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2–3 spring onions, thinly sliced
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1½ cups water, or more as needed
Directions
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Prep Ingredients: Cut all vegetables into large cubes or slices. Set aside.
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Blanch the Chicken:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces and blanch for 1–2 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the chicken under cold water. -
Start the Soup:
Return the blanched chicken to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and ginger. Pour in enough water to fully cover the ingredients (approximately 1½ cups or more if needed). -
Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil. Add salt, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. -
Add Tomatoes:
Add the tomato wedges and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender. -
Season:
Add freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt to taste. -
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced spring onions. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 1 hour
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Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Add corn: Sweet corn adds extra sweetness and texture—cut fresh corn on the cob into chunks and add with the potatoes.
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Bone broth boost: Use homemade chicken stock instead of water for a richer flavor and more nutrients.
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Spice it up: Add a few white peppercorns or a dash of soy sauce for a deeper taste.
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Make it vegetarian: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth with extra tofu or mushrooms.
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Add noodles: Serve with rice noodles for a heartier, meal-in-a-bowl version.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the broth has reduced.
FAQs
What does “ABC” stand for in ABC soup?
ABC refers to the vitamins present in the ingredients: Vitamin A (carrots), B (potatoes), and C (tomatoes).
Can I use chicken breast instead of drumsticks?
You can, but bone-in cuts like drumsticks give the broth more depth and flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients (except spring onions) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Do I need to blanch the chicken?
Blanching helps remove impurities and results in a clearer soup. It’s recommended but can be skipped for convenience.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, parsnips, or leeks work well. Use whatever you have on hand.
Is this soup suitable for babies or toddlers?
Yes, just reduce or omit the salt and pepper. It’s a gentle, nourishing meal for little ones.
Can I add noodles or rice?
Yes. Cooked rice or noodles can be added just before serving for a more filling dish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Conclusion
ABC Soup is the definition of comforting, nourishing simplicity. With minimal prep and humble ingredients, it delivers incredible warmth and flavor. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, want a light dinner, or need a kid-friendly soup, this classic recipe is always a wholesome go-to.
Print
ABC Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
ABC Soup is a healthy, nutritious, and comforting soup made with chicken drumsticks, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, celery, onions, and ginger. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, it’s a flavorful Chinese-Malaysian inspired soup perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 450–500 grams chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken (about 15 oz)
- 1 potato, cut into large cubes
- 1 carrot, cut into large cubes
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, cut into large cubes
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced thinly
- 1 stick celery, sliced thinly
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2–3 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups water (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by cutting them into large cubes and slices.
- Fill a large heavy-bottom pot with water and bring to a boil. Add chicken pieces and blanch for 1–2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add carrot, potato, onion, celery, and ginger slices. Pour in water, ensuring the ingredients are fully covered. Season with salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Transfer soup to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped spring onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust water quantity to achieve desired soup consistency.
- Optional: add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Blanching the chicken first helps remove impurities and keeps the soup clear.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Chinese, Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
