The origin of stew is unclear, but stew has been around in one form or another since prehistoric times. One of the oldest French cookbooks in existence, dating from the 14th century, contains several recipes for stews, and a cookbook dating to the Roman era contains several recipes for lamb and fish stews. This hearty dish usually contains broth, meat and vegetables, which are simmered together then served.
Soup, the broth made when meat and vegetables are boiled and then strained, first came on the scene around 10,000 years ago. Since then, not only has a piece of cutlery been devoted to it (the soup spoon, which, depending on the region, is usually the spoon on the far right of your plate), but all manner of, well, manners, have been developed to ensure you don't slurp, slop or spill the broth.
With hundreds of variations in existence all around the world, stews and soups have nourished and sustained millions of people over tens of thousands of years. Here are ten delicious recipes to keep your bowl full all year long!
White bean and sausage minestrone
Rustic butternut squash and cannellini bean soup
Curried butternut squash and carrot stew
Guinness and lamb Irish stew
Caramelized sweet potato soup with maple
Roasted tomato and fennel soup
Apple cheddar soup with sage croutons
Wild mushroom and butternut squash soup
Cannellini bean and pancetta soup with swiss chard
Seafood and saffron tomato fennel soup
Read more in Food & Entertaining and Recipes
