Stew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฒ
stew
[stjuห ]
Definitions
food preparation
Stew is a dish consisting of vegetables and sometimes meat or fish cooked slowly in liquid.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stew |
Used for a dish that consists of meat and vegetables slowly cooked in liquid. Often used for hearty, filling meals.
|
| casserole |
Refers to a baked dish made with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and a starchy binder. Typically cooked slowly in the oven.
|
| ragout |
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.
|
| soup |
A liquid food made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables and sometimes rice, barley, or pasta. Often lighter and more brothy than stews.
|
Examples of usage
- You can make a delicious beef stew in your slow cooker.
- She prepared a hearty vegetable stew for dinner.
food preparation
To stew means to cook a dish slowly in liquid.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stew |
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.
|
| simmer |
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.
|
| braise |
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.
|
| boil |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- She likes to stew chicken with tomatoes and onions.
- The chef stewed the apples with cinnamon for dessert.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures have their own unique versions of stew, such as Irish stew, a traditional dish featuring lamb or beef, potatoes, and carrots.
- In Mexico, a popular version known as 'guisado' includes spicy ingredients and is often served with rice or tortillas.
Historical Context
- In medieval Europe, stews were a common way to feed large families or groups since they could easily be made in one pot.
- Stews were often a way to use leftover meats and vegetables, reducing waste during times when food scarcity was common.
Nutrition
- Stews are often nutritious as the slow cooking process allows flavors to blend while retaining vitamins, especially from vegetables.
- Adding beans or lentils to a stew can increase its protein content, making it a hearty meal option.
Literature and Art
- Stews have been featured in various works of literature, symbolizing comfort and home, often associated with family gatherings.
- In art, stews are depicted in still life paintings, showcasing the beauty of ingredients before they're cooked.
Origin of 'stew'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'stew' comes from the Old French term 'estuver', meaning to bathe or stew something in hot water.
- It has roots in early cooking methods where foods were cooked in pots over fire, with the heat making the ingredients tender and flavorful.
The word 'stew' originated from the Old French word 'estuver', which means to sweat or to steep in a liquid. It was first used in the context of cooking in the 14th century. Stewing as a cooking method dates back to ancient times when people would cook ingredients slowly over a fire in a pot or cauldron.
See also: steward.