ABC soup

My mother's side of the family has a tradition of cooking ABC soup. Each relative would have his/her own version of ABC soup but what it is essentially is a clear soup with chunky and hearty ingredients.

The ABC soup is a meal in itself - there are carbohydrates (potatoes), proteins (pork ribs or chicken) and vegetables.

I am not certain about the origin of the name of this soup. Perhaps it is because cooking this soup is "as easy as ABC".

I have not included the proportion in this recipe because it is up to individual preference.

INGREDIENTS

pork ribs
hot water
old ginger
potatoes
carrots
corn
red onions
sichuan vegetables
button mushrooms
Chinese dried mushrooms
celery
fish cake

METHOD

1. Cut the rest of the ingredients into large pieces.

2. Fill half the pot with water and bring to a boil.

3. Add the pork ribs, potatoes, carrots, corn and red onions. When the water has boiled, add the rest of the ingredients.

5. When the water has boiled again, reduce the heat and simmer until the ingredients have softened.