Stew: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for a dish that consists of meat and vegetables slowly cooked in liquid. Often used for hearty, filling meals.

• She made a delicious beef stew for dinner
• The hikers enjoyed a warm stew after their long journey

Refers to a baked dish made with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and a starchy binder. Typically cooked slowly in the oven.

• He brought a chicken and rice casserole to the potluck
• The cheesy broccoli casserole was a hit at the family gathering

A well-seasoned dish of meat and vegetables that is typically cooked slowly and often has a rich sauce. More commonly used in fine dining or gourmet cooking contexts.

• The restaurant served a savory lamb ragout
• She followed a French recipe for a traditional ragout

A liquid food made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables and sometimes rice, barley, or pasta. Often lighter and more brothy than stews.

• He likes to start his meal with a bowl of tomato soup
• Chicken noodle soup is great when you're feeling under the weather

Used when referring to cooking food slowly in liquid over a long period of time. This method is best for making soups and hearty dishes where the flavors can meld together.

• I love to stew vegetables with beef to make a hearty dinner.
• The recipe says to stew the chicken with tomatoes and spices for two hours.

Refers to cooking in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Often used for delicate foods or when you want to develop flavors slowly without breaking the food apart.

• Simmer the soup on low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
• After adding the spices, let the sauce simmer gently for another 15 minutes.

Involves browning the meat first, and then cooking it slowly in a small amount of liquid. Suitable for tougher cuts of meat that benefit from long, slow cooking to become tender.

• Braise the beef in red wine for a rich and tender dish.
• For the best results, braise the lamb with garlic and rosemary for a few hours.

Refers to heating liquid until it reaches a temperature where it starts to turn to vapor. Commonly used for cooking pasta, rice, and eggs. It implies higher heat compared to simmering.

• Please boil the water before adding the pasta.
• To make hard-boiled eggs, you need to boil them for about 10 minutes.