crossword clue stew – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're pondering the clue "crossword clue stew," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue stew" by Letter Count
4 Letters
COOK: To prepare food by boiling, braising, or simmering, a common method for making a stew.
FRET: To worry or be in an agitated state, as in to "stew over" a problem.
6 Letters
SIMMER: To cook food gently in liquid just below the boiling point, which is precisely how many stews are prepared.
RAGOUT: A rich, slow-cooked, and highly seasoned stew of meat and vegetables, often used as a main course.
7 Letters
GOULASH: A traditional Hungarian stew made primarily from meat (usually beef), vegetables, and seasoned with paprika.
More About "crossword clue stew"
"Stew" is a remarkably versatile word for crossword setters, as it can refer to a variety of concepts. Most commonly, it denotes a hearty, slow-cooked dish, often containing meat and vegetables in a savory liquid. Examples include classic beef stews, lamb stews, or even vegetable stews, known for their rich flavors developed over long cooking times. These dishes are comfort food staples in many cultures.
Beyond the culinary, "stew" can also refer to the act of cooking something in this manner, i.e., to simmer or braise. This verb form is frequently exploited in crosswords. Less obviously, "stew" can describe a state of agitation or worry, as in "to stew over a problem" or "to be in a stew." This idiomatic use adds another layer of complexity for solvers, requiring them to consider the clue's context carefully to determine the intended meaning.
Recognizing the different interpretations of "stew"—as a noun for a dish, a verb for a cooking process, or an idiom for worrying—is key to successfully cracking related crossword clues. Paying attention to the word count and any surrounding descriptive words in the clue will often reveal which definition the setter is using.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about all possible definitions of a word like "stew" – food, cooking action, or mental state – as setters love to play on these ambiguities.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters you need will often narrow down the options significantly. A 4-letter answer for "stew" might be "COOK" or "FRET," while a longer one could be "RAGOUT" or "GOULASH."
- Look for Context Clues: The surrounding words in the clue are vital. Phrases like "hearty meal," "slow cook," or "worry about" directly guide you to the correct interpretation.
- Use Crossing Letters: Leverage any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can be the most powerful tool for confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Think of Synonyms: If a direct answer isn't apparent, brainstorm synonyms for each possible meaning of "stew." For example, if it means to worry, think of words like "brood" or "fume."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of "stew" in crosswords?
"Stew" can refer to a hearty meal (the noun), a cooking process (the verb, meaning to simmer slowly), or a state of worry or anxiety (as in 'to stew over something'). Crossword setters frequently use these different interpretations to create challenging clues.
How can I identify if "stew" refers to a cooking method or a dish?
Look for context clues within the rest of the crossword clue. Words like "prepare," "cook gently," or "simmer" often suggest a cooking method. Phrases such as "hearty dish," "meat and vegetables," or references to specific types of stews (e.g., "Hungarian dish") usually point to the food item. The length of the answer can also be a hint; shorter answers might be verbs, while longer ones often describe specific dishes.
Are there any specific tricks or tips for solving "stew" clues?
When encountering 'stew' in a crossword, consider its various meanings: culinary preparation, the dish itself, or a state of agitation/worry. Check the letter count required for the answer. Common short answers include 'COOK' or 'FRET', while longer ones might be 'RAGOUT' or 'GOULASH'. Always use any crossing letters you've already filled in to narrow down the possibilities. If the clue implies mental state, think of synonyms for 'worry' or 'brood'.