ABC soup for soup season! The origins of the name are unknown: either the soup is as easy as ABC, or full of nutrients from the veggies like vitamins A and C… Whatever the case, it’s a comforting soup made with love. I cooked a huge batch that made about 6 servings, and here’s how!
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes
- 3 tomatoes
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 ears sweet corn
- 600g pork bones, blanched for 5 mins first (Discard this water after blanching as it will be full of scum and impurities! Or you can use chicken)
- 2L water (or enough to submerge everything)
- 2 chicken stock cubes
Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. Or use a slow cooker! Or a pressure cooker if you want to save time 🥰
ABC soup’s appeal lies in its simplicity and rich nutritional profile. Many wonder about its health benefits and calorie count — it's generally low in calories, especially when using lean proteins and plenty of fresh vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. The soup provides vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. When I made this soup, using pork bones gave the broth a deep, savory flavor, but chicken bones or even a vegetable stock cube can be used for a lighter taste. Blanching the bones beforehand is key to removing impurities and achieving a clear, clean broth. For convenience, a slow cooker works wonders, slowly extracting flavors in about 6 hours. A pressure cooker is another fast alternative if you're short on time. The natural sweetness from the carrots, tomatoes, and corn really shines, balancing the savory notes of the meat. This makes it a comforting dish on cooler, rainy days — perfect for regions like Singapore where soup season coincides with increased rain and slight drops in temperature. Despite its simplicity, ABC soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s on hand or your dietary preferences. Some add other vegetables for extra nutrients or substitute chicken stock cubes for a vegetarian version. This soup also reheats well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep. If you’re curious about commercial ABC fruit soup mixes, homemade versions like this one allow you to control the ingredients fully, ensuring a wholesome and nourishing meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy soup option or a comforting recipe to warm up your evenings, this ABC soup is definitely worth trying.
