Stew: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฒ
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stew

 

[stjuห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food preparation

Stew is a dish consisting of vegetables and sometimes meat or fish cooked slowly in liquid.

Synonyms

casserole, ragout, soup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stew

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
casserole

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
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.

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

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

Examples of usage

  • You can make a delicious beef stew in your slow cooker.
  • She prepared a hearty vegetable stew for dinner.
Context #2 | Verb

food preparation

To stew means to cook a dish slowly in liquid.

Synonyms

boil, braise, simmer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • 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.
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.

  • 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.
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.

  • 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.
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.

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

Examples of usage

  • She likes to stew chicken with tomatoes and onions.
  • The chef stewed the apples with cinnamon for dessert.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "stew" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ensopado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคŸเฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Eintopf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rebus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะฐะณัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gulasz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒใƒฅใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ragoรปt

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estofado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yahni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ŠคํŠœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุฎู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ duลกenรฉ maso

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dusenรฉ mรคso

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‚–่œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ enolonฤnica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pottrรฉttur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑา›ั‚ั‹ั€ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฉแƒแƒจแƒฃแƒจแƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaynama

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estofado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,859, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.