Malaysian Potato, Carrot, and Tomato Soup—Malaysia ABC Soup

Written by
Dennis Sim
Food writer and chef living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who creates recipes inspired by Southeast Asia.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Dennis Sim
Updated 03/29/21
Malaysian Potato, Carrot, and Tomato Soup—Malaysia ABC Soup

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 3 hrs 30 mins
Total: 4 hrs
Servings: 2 servings
Yields: 2 bowls
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
726 Calories
21g Fat
65g Carbs
68g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 726
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 265mg 88%
Sodium 558mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 65g 24%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 68g
Vitamin C 37mg 183%
Calcium 115mg 9%
Iron 6mg 31%
Potassium 2248mg 48%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A popular soup in Asian cuisines, this is called ABC soup because it is super easy to prepare—as simple as ABC. The other reason for the name is that it's filled with vitamins A, B, and C. The combination of carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes add to the healthy soup, while the chicken ensures it's full of flavor. Though it does take some time, it's simple, delicious, and excellent comfort food. This particular recipe is a Malaysian-style ABC soup, though it's not much different than those found in Chinese restaurants.

Soups generally taste nicer if you use a double boiler, a two-tiered soup pot with the bottom pot filled with water. The soup in the upper pot is steamed by the boiling water in the bottom pot. This gentler way of cooking soup releases the flavors from the ingredients gradually, and the result is a sweeter-tasting soup. If you do not have a double boiler, just simmer the soup on the lowest heat possible.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bone-in chicken pieces

  • 3 medium potatoes

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 large carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 medium tomato, quartered

  • 1 medium onion, peeled and thickly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorn

  • Kosher salt, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Malaysia ABC soup recipe ingredients

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  2. Put the chicken pieces in a pot with just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil. 

    Chicken pieces in a pot of water, ready to be boiled

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  3. Pour away the water. Rinse the chicken under the tap to get rid of any blood or other impurities.

    Rinsing the boiled chicken in a colander

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  4. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. If they are not immediately used, soak them in water so they do not turn black.

    Peeled, cubed raw potatoes in a bowl of water

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  5. Fill a double boiler or a soup pot with 4 cups of water. Put in the prepared chicken and boil over medium heat.

    Chicken in a pot of water

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  6. Once the water boils, remove any impurities on the surface with a ladle. Turn the flame to low.

    Removing impurities with a ladle from the boiling chicken

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  7. Add the carrot, tomato, onion, and peppercorn. Simmer on very low heat for about 2 hours.

    Carrots, tomato, onion, and peppers are added to the pot with the chicken

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  8. Drain the water from the potatoes, and add them to the soup 30 minutes before the soup is ready. Continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

    Potatoes are added to the pot with the chicken and vegetables

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  9. Add salt, to taste, and enjoy.

    Malaysian Potato, Carrot, and Tomato Soup—Malaysia ABC Soup

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

What Type of Potato Is Best for Soup?

When making a soup with potatoes, it's best to use varieties with a low to medium starch content. Yellow potatoes are a favorite, so look for varieties such as Yukon Gold at the grocery store.

Does Soup Need to Cool Before Refrigerating?

Whenever you have leftover soup, it's best to let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. Hot soup can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator. This can compromise the taste and safety of the soup as well as your other foods. To cool soup more quickly, divide it into smaller bowls or place a large bowl in an ice water bath. Stirring the soup can also speed up the cooling process. Store the soup in an airtight container and enjoy within a few days, reheating it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.