If you grew up in a Chinese household, chances are you know ABC Soup—the comforting, nourishing soup often simmered by mums and grandmas. Simple, affordable, and packed with natural sweetness from vegetables, this soup is a go-to for family dinners and especially popular during cooler or rainy days.
🥣 What Is ABC Soup?
ABC Soup is a traditional Chinese clear soup made with Alphabet vegetables—commonly A for “ABC” meaning Anything But Complicated. The usual trio includes carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes, paired with pork ribs or chicken for a hearty yet light broth.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- 300–400g pork ribs (or chicken pieces)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large potato, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 1 corn cob, cut into sections (optional but recommended)
- 1.5–2 litres water
- Salt to taste
- White pepper (optional)
👩🍳 How to Cook ABC Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and set aside.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Pot
In a large soup pot, add water, pork ribs, carrot, potato, corn, and tomatoes.
Step 3: Simmer Slowly
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5–2 hours. The longer it simmers, the sweeter the soup.
Step 4: Season & Serve
Add salt to taste and a dash of white pepper if desired. Serve hot.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Chicken version: Replace pork ribs with chicken drumsticks for a lighter soup
- Extra nutrition: Add red dates, goji berries, or onions
- Busy days: Use a pressure cooker—30 minutes is enough
- Kids-friendly: Mash some vegetables into the soup for easier eating
💛 Why ABC Soup Is So Popular
- Naturally sweet, no MSG needed
- Gentle on the stomach
- Affordable everyday ingredients
- Perfect for kids, adults, and the elderly
