Stew

Stew is a hearty dish made by slowly cooking meat, vegetables, and other ingredients in liquid — water, stock, wine, or beer — at a low temperature for an extended period. The long, gentle cooking breaks down tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful pieces while creating a rich, thick gravy that brings all the ingredients together. Stews are among the most comforting and satisfying dishes in world cuisine.

Every culture has its own signature stews: French beef bourguignon, Irish lamb stew, Hungarian goulash, Moroccan tagine, Indian curry stews, Japanese nikujaga, and Latin American sancocho. The beauty of a stew is its simplicity and flexibility — almost any combination of protein, vegetables, and spices can become a delicious one-pot meal. Root vegetables, beans, and grains are common additions that add body and nutrition. Stews also improve in flavor when reheated the next day, making them ideal for meal preparation.

Explore more about stew — from classic recipes around the world to slow-cooking tips and ingredient combinations — in the articles below.