noun / verb

stew

STOO/stuː/

Food cooked slowly in liquid.

A pot of beef stew simmers on the stove.

A close view of a pot of hearty stew gently simmering, with large tender-looking pieces of meat, potato and carrot in thick gravy; a serving bowl beside it makes the finished dish immediately recognizable.

Etymology

Old French estuver meant both taking a hot bath and stewing food. The dish takes its name from the verb’s sense of cooking slowly in liquid; its deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Food Network260:47

First, I need seafood stock to make the base of the stew. So, the base starts with fennel and onions.

Our Favorite Ina Garten Recipe Videos | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

More examples

Stew the apples in a little water until soft.
She serves hearty vegetable stews throughout the winter.
We stewed the lamb slowly until it was tender.

Forms

stew · stews · stewed · stewing

Similar words

simmer: Emphasizes gentle bubbling rather than a particular dish or recipe.
braise: Usually involves browning first, then cooking covered in less liquid.
soup: Usually contains more liquid and need not be cooked slowly.