Learn what sets each of these distinct dishes apart.
Jake Sternquist
A soup by any other name might actually be a stew or a chowder.
Sarah Brekke, M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager
What Is Soup?
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Soups are typically served warm, but in some casesthinkgazpachoor a freshwatermelon soupare served chilled.
Vegetable puree soups such ascarrot soupwould be included in this category.
What Is Stew?
A hearty stewlike anold-fashioned beef steworMoroccan chicken stewtypically contains less liquid and more chunky ingredients than a soup.
If the chunks dominate the dish, its a stew.
What Is Chowder?
Chowder is a bang out of soup known for being rich and creamy.
They often contain potato as an ingredient and frequently feature fish or shellfish as the source of protein.
To spot the distinction, picture aclassic tomato soupnext tobeef and barley steworshrimp chowder.
Soups tend to be thinner and brothier, Brekke says.
Chowders are a bit thicker and creamier than soups.
Stews are very chunky and full of vegetables and meats while the surrounding liquid is also thickened a bit.
We also love to use soup as a vehicle to riff on popular dishes likeMarry Me Chickenandlasagna.
