What's the Difference Between Soup and Stew?

Nothing warms you up on a chilly day like a hearty soup or stew. Looking for recipes? We’ve gotplentyof‘em. But, as you cook, you may find yourself wondering: What exactly is the difference between soup and stew?

Soup and steware very similar dishes. There’s a lot of crossover—some soups can definitely be considered stews and vice versa. There are a few distinctions, however:

In soup, the liquid is the primary ingredient. Soup can be completely liquified or it can consist of other elements (like meat and vegetables) that are fully submerged in water, stock, or broth.

Stew, meanwhile, is typically chunkier. It contains just enough liquid to cover the main ingredients.

As recipe category, soup is much broader than stew. Soups are technically any combination of ingredients cooked in liquid. They can be thick or thin, chunky or smooth, and hot or cold. Some soups take hours, while you can whip up others in 20 minutes or less and may not require cooking at all (likegazpacho).

Stew is almost always served warm, is chunky and thick, and usually takes a while to prepare.

Stew can refer to any dish that is prepared by stewing—a method by which something that is barely covered in liquid is simmered slowly in a covered pot.

Soup can be prepared in a variety of ways, but it’s often made by bringing ingredients to a boil and then simmering to deepen the flavors.

Related:23 Soups and Stews to Make in Your Instant Pot

Soup is one of the oldest prepared foods we still consume today. In fact, it’s likely as old as cooking itself. Evidence of its existence can be found as far back as about 20,000 B.C., according toCampbell’s.

In French cuisine, soups are separated into two categories: clear (bouillon and consommé) and thick (purees and bisques).

Again, this is a very broad category that includes both thin miso soup and chunky minestrone—thus, it’s difficult to pin down exactly what makes soup, well,soup.

Get more soup recipeshere.

Like soups, stews have been made since ancient times. Stew can consist of any combination of solid food ingredients (vegetables or meats) cooked in liquid, such as stock. Common ingredients are: beef, chicken, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, onions, beans, and peppers. The liquid in stew is oftenthickenedthrough reduction or with flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot to create a heartier, gravy-like base.

Get more stew recipeshere.