The age-old question: what is the difference between soup and stew? The question has raged on for centuries, with confusion and disagreements abounding. Even wars have been waged over the differences between soups and stews. Okay, maybe not that far, but in all seriousness, few people really understand the difference between soup and stew. But if you are a culinary aficionado, understanding the differences can help you open a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to liquid meals. So, let’s get into it, here are the differences between soups and stews.
The Size of the Ingredients
The first major difference between a soup and a stew is the size of the ingredients. In stews, the ingredients are typically larger, chunkier pieces of veggies and meat, so big that one chunk of one element may be an entire spoonful of the meal. Soup, on the other hand, tends to be made up of smaller and finer chunks of ingredient, allowing you to get a mixture of all ingredients in any spoonful. If you are trying to make a stew, consider making your pieces larger, or if you are going the soup route, cut them up small to feel and taste the difference.
The Quantity of Liquid
The next key difference that separates stew from soup is the quantity of liquid in the meal. Soups are almost always more liquid than stews, in fact, to some people it is the most important determining factor. Soup is often made with large quantities of broth being the main component of the dish, with noodles, veggies, and meat swimming around. All that broth is great for hydration, which only amplifies how good soup can be for you. Stew is only made with enough liquid to submerge the liquid.
Cooking Method
The final differentiating feature between soups and stews is the method of cooking. Soup can be cooked just about any which way. The meat can be cooked in the soup or cooked separately and then added to the pot. The veggies can be cooked ahead of time or thrown right in the pot raw to heat up. But stew is only made by using the stewing method. By submerging the ingredients in just enough liquid (broth, wine, water, etc.) and leaving it to simmer for a long time. So stewing is different from soup making.
So, there you have it, the differences between stew and soup, carefully spelled out for you. With all this knowledge, you are now ready to take on the world of both stew and soup with your culinary expertise. Try making a new dish tonight using some of the ideas and principles you have learned here today.
Check out this article on the best recipes to make during the winter!
