SOUP VS STEW: What’s The Difference? (+15 RECIPES TO TRY)
We did it—we’ve made it halfway through the coldest, if not gloomiest, month of the year. And with six weeks still ahead of us before the first hints of spring start cropping up, there’s only one thing getting us through: a hearty bowl of soup or stew.
Not quite sure what the difference is? No worries. Below, we’re breaking down the difference between these cold weather staples and offering up a few of our favorite soup and stew recipes for you to try.
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your next gathering.
Soup vs Stew: What’s the difference?
First off, who knew there was a difference between soups and stews? If you knew, kudos. If not, it’s okay.
The distinction goes beyond mere semantics—it’s a journey into the nuanced world of texture, preparation and flavor infusion. While they share a common foundation of broth, vegetables and proteins, their unique characteristics are what set them apart.
Soups are broth-based and typically have a lighter consistency, often blending ingredients to form a purée. Liquid is the main ingredient, with all other additions—protein, veggies, aromatics and more—building upon the base.
Stews, on the other hand, are known for their heartiness and are generally chunkier, using just enough liquid to cover the ingredients.
Preparation is also a key distinguishing factor between soups and stews.
“Soup” as a food category is pretty broad—soups can be thick or thin, chunky or smooth, hot or cold. Soup can be prepared in a variety of ways using a variety of methods, and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours from start to finish.
“Stew” refers to any dish that requires stewing, which typically means that something (i.e. meat or veggies) is simmered slowly in a covered pot over several hours, with only enough water to just cover the ingredients. It’s also almost always served warm, is thick or chunky and takes more time to prepare than soup.
15 Soup and Stew Recipes to Try
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
This French classic is rich and hearty, simmering beef, bacon and mushrooms in a luscious red wine sauce. The savory notes from the beef and the crispiness of the bacon, combined with the depth of the red wine, create a delicious dish in under an hour.
UDON NOODLE SOUP WITH BABY BOK CHOY
Dashi forms the base of this soup—a delicate, clean flavor, revered in Japanese cooking. This recipe has notes of umami from the shiitake mushrooms, a freshness from the bok choy and an aromatic blend of garlic and ginger, giving it a rich, nuanced flavor profile.
CIOPPINO
Delivering a burst of coastal flavors—the richness of halibut, the brininess of clams and the succulence of large shrimp all swimming in a robust broth infused with tomato and seafood makes this Cioppino a real showstopper.
FENNEL AND LEEK SOUP WITH GRUYÈRE CROUTONS
This simple yet hearty soup gets its texture and flavor from the classic russet potato. Creamy, rich and flavorful, this soup is accentuated with savory Gruyère croutons, bringing a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
LENTIL AND SAUSAGE SOUP WITH KALE
Perfect for cold winter months, this hearty, filling soup is packed with flavor. The lentils absorb the flavors of the sausage and broth, while a splash of red wine vinegar at the end adds the perfect amount of acid to bring it all together.
CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP
Caramelized onions give this classic dish its sweet depth, while a dry white wine gives it a bit of complexity that’s both comforting and sophisticated. To craft this French delight at home, all you’ll need is a large, heavy saucepan for the slow caramelization, a wooden spoon for stirring and maybe a few cocottes to bake the cheesy baguette topping.
ASPARAGUS BISQUE WITH BLACK PEPPER CRÈME FRAÎCHE
This quick, delicious soup is a celebration of spring flavors, highlighting asparagus, spinach and a hint of mint in a velvety bowl of goodness. The black pepper crème fraîche adds a luxurious touch, perfectly complementing the lemony brightness in the soup, while a sprinkle of chives enhances the presentation.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP WITH CROUTONS
This sweet, savory soup is an easy go-to any day of the week. Sweet red apples pair too well with butternut squash to go unnoticed. But it’s a touch of cinnamon and ginger that gives it that warm, aromatic depth. Topped with melted Gruyère croutons, and we’re hooked.
CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP
This is one comforting bowl of soup. Spicy Italian sausage, dried herbs and cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy tomato broth, garnished with basil and grated Parmesan—it’s almost un-soup-like.
BEEF AND CHICKPEA STEW
This beef and chickpea stew is packed with a rich blend of spices—sweet paprika, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon—infusing tender beef chuck and chickpeas with a burst of flavor. Topped with a dollop of yogurt and harissa. All you need is a pressure cooker and 30 minutes.
BOUILLABAISSE WITH CREAMY GARLIC AIOLI
This bouillabaisse is a taste of Provence in a bowl—the saffron-infused broth enriched with fennel and Pernod complements your pick of snapper, cod, shellfish and shrimp. The trick to a terrific bouillabaisse is creating a complex, flavorful broth while not overcooking the delicate seafood. Up for the challenge?
THAI PUMPKIN CURRY SOUP
The aromatic blend of red curry paste, galangal, garlic and shallots is what sets this rich, velvety soup apart from the rest. Creamy pumpkin purée and coconut milk give it that comforting sweetness we’ve come to know and love in a Thai curry.
WILD MUSHROOM SOUP WITH SHERRY
Treat yourself to the rich, decadent flavors of this wild mushroom soup, where a medley of fresh shiitake, cremini and oyster mushrooms create a robust, earthy flavor profile. Dry white wine and sherry elevate the savory depth of the purée.
HEARTY TUSCAN BEEF STEW
Let the slow cooker work its magic the next time you have a cozy night in. Boneless chuck beef, red onion, carrots and celery simmer in red wine and thyme for 3 to 4 hours to create an effortless, melt-in-your-mouth stew.
SHORT RIB STEW
An easy way to elevate your stew is with short rib. Just let the slow-cooking process meld the tender meat, mushrooms, potatoes and pumpkin bread into an earthy, refined dish your dinner party won’t forget.
Get the Short Rib Stew recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your next gathering.
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