ABC Soup is a comforting and wholesome dish that has been cherished in many Chinese households for decades. Its name, derived from the three primary root vegetables—apple, beetroot, and carrot—hints at the vibrant colors and natural sweetness that define this soup.
Traditionally, ABC Soup includes pork bones for richness, but today, we’re embracing a vegetarian twist that keeps all the nourishing goodness while making it suitable for everyone.
This vegetarian ABC Soup recipe is perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a curious foodie, or someone looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this soup promises to be a delightful and nutritious addition to your recipe collection.
Ready to dive into a bowl of vibrant color and flavorful warmth? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian ABC Soup recipe is a celebration of simplicity and health. It’s loaded with root vegetables that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
The soup’s natural sweetness from the carrots, beets, and apples creates a beautiful balance with the savory vegetable broth, making it delicious without needing any meat or heavy cream.
Moreover, it’s a flexible recipe—easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s also budget-friendly, requires minimal prep time, and is perfect for batch cooking as it tastes even better the next day.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a cozy dinner starter, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium beetroots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large apple (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala), cored and chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon (to brighten the flavor)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, if you prefer a smooth soup)
- Soup ladle
- Bowl for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, beets, apple, and potato into roughly equal-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add root vegetables and apple: Toss in the carrots, beets, potato, and apple pieces. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Add 6 cups of vegetable broth to the pot along with the bay leaf and thyme. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Season and blend (optional): Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. For a chunky soup, you can serve it as is. For a smoother texture, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
- Add finishing touches: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
“The key to a flavorful ABC Soup lies in using fresh, high-quality vegetables and a good vegetable broth. Roasting the beets and carrots beforehand adds a wonderful depth of flavor.”
- Roast for richer flavor: For an even deeper taste, roast the carrots, beets, and potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding them to the soup.
- Add greens: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin for a slightly smoky, earthy note.
- Make it creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end for a luscious, creamy texture without dairy.
- Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans to the soup for added protein and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 3 grams |
Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
Fiber | 6 grams |
Sugar | 12 grams |
Fat | 3 grams |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant ABC Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside Breakfast Wellington Recipe or enjoy it as a starter before dishes like Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe.
If you’re in the mood for more vegetarian soups, you might also appreciate recipes like Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe that offer similar warmth and nutrition.
Conclusion
Our vegetarian ABC Soup is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, plant-based twist. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with the natural sweetness of fresh root vegetables and apples.
This soup is a perfect example of how minimal ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Ideal for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet or for anyone seeking a flavorful, wholesome meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Remember, the beauty of ABC Soup lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different herbs and veggies to make it your own.
Don’t forget to explore other comforting recipes on our site, like the rich and savory Bread And Gravy Recipe, perfect for chilly evenings. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, heartwarming bowl of vegetarian ABC Soup!
📖 Recipe Card: ABC Soup Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A healthy and comforting vegetarian soup made with apples, beets, and carrots. Perfect for a light meal or starter.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add beets, carrots, and apples; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 25 g
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