How many types of stew are there?

* Stew is a broad category: It's a dish of meat and/or vegetables cooked in liquid. This can vary wildly in ingredients, cooking methods, and even the liquid itself (broth, stock, milk, beer, wine, etc.).

* Cultures and regions have their own variations: Every country and region has its own versions of stew, from French pot au feu to Irish stew to Moroccan tagine.

* New stews are constantly being created: People are always experimenting with new combinations of ingredients and cooking techniques.

Instead of counting, it's more useful to think of categories of stews:

* By ingredient:

* Meat stews: Beef stew, chicken stew, lamb stew, etc.

* Vegetable stews: Minestrone, lentil soup, etc.

* Seafood stews: Cioppino, bouillabaisse, etc.

* By region/cuisine:

* French: Pot au feu, Boeuf Bourguignon

* Irish: Irish stew

* Italian: Minestrone, Osso buco

* Spanish: Cocido Madrileño, Fabada Asturiana

* Mexican: Pozole, menudo

* By cooking method:

* Slow-cooked stews: Often simmered for hours until tender.

* Pressure cooker stews: Cooked quickly in a pressure cooker.

* Instant Pot stews: Similar to pressure cooker stews, made in an Instant Pot.

Ultimately, the number of stew types is limited only by imagination!