The Big Book of Soups and Stews: 262 Recipes for Serious Comfort Food

by Maryana Vollstedt

Where the best-selling Big Book of Casseroles brought bubbling cheese and golden bread crumbs, The Big Book of Soups and Stews brings succulent meats, tender vegetables, and creamy, savory goodness with 262 comforting recipes for soups, chowders, and stews. From a hot and hearty stew for a cold night to a cool, refreshing Vichyssoise for a sizzling afternoon, there's a recipe here for every occasion. Also included are nostalgic classics (like everyone's favorite Chicken Noodle Soup) as well as innovative new creations inspired by the cuisines of the world--from Thai Ginger Chicken to Mexican Seafood. With a wonderful selection of quick bread recipes and a crockpot full of tips and hints to help soup-makers hone their skills, The Big Book of Soups and Stews is the ultimate one-stop comfort food cookbook.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference, Food, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Maryana Bollinger Vollstedt was a creative, fun-loving woman whose life blended entrepreneurship, culinary talent, and community service. After graduating from Oregon State College in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics, she married Reed Vollstedt and co-founded Reed and Cross, a beloved garden center in Eugene, Oregon. Maryana brought a unique flair to the business, traveling to gift shows and shaping product selections with her signature taste. A prolific cookbook author, she published over 20 titles, including nine with Chronicle Books, and wrote the “What’s for Dinner” column for the Eugene Register-Guard for thirteen years. She cherished family, food, and hosting, and prioritized togetherness. Maryana and Reed were also consultants for Garden Centers of America and traveled internationally as flower industry representatives. In retirement, she mentored students at Cal Young Middle School for over 18 years. A dedicated member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Maryana left a lasting mark on her community.

Reviews

[C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love soup and I love soup cookbooks, but I almost never use this. The recipies look good enough, but the layout isn't appealing, and I find if I don't like how a cookbook is layed out, I never use it; it's too much work, and I have enough cookbooks I like that I'll turn to instead. No pictures at all is a turn off, as I like to see my food, and too much of this book revolves around meat. I don't need an all veggie book, but I like to have more options than this.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good for cold wintry days and nights.

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This would be an otherwise amazing cookbook but for the fact there are zero pictures. In this day and age of food blogs that have photos left, right, and center, why even bother with a photo-less cookbook?

[Ghost of a Rose]

Own, available at house 2023

[Rus Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healthy and diverse Recipes. From simple to complex and cultrual orientated. Definitely kept in the cupboard...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After such success with the "Big Book of Casseroles," I had to buy this one. There are tons of the traditional soup recipes you crave (chicken, split pea, chowders) and others you'd never have thought up yourself. So far, a winner.

[Mazzou B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the essential soup cookbook! If you could just have ONE cookbook to go to for soups and stews recipes, this is IT! Every recipe we've tried from this book is excellent. It is full of wonderful recipes. There are no photographs, but that doesn't bother us.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the recipes in the books. A lot of variations on some old favorites. Serving sizes do vary a bit, but I like making a big batch of soup for the week and this works well.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love soup, and am a big fan of The Big Book of..series. Delicious! and normally very easy recipes.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy, practical recipes. There's only a handful that I wouldn't try. Most cookbooks, it's the opposite for me, where there's only a handful I would try...

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great soups for all year round.

[Mamafeelgood]

I keep bookmarking all the recipes in here.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the greatest soup book ever!! It is fast, delicious, and creative. If you like soup and like to cook you should own it.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to make almost every recipe in this cookbook.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyoming is known for long, bitter cold winters. The recipes in this cookbook provide hearty meals that warm the body and soul.

[Sue Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book all the time especially when I'm super (soup-er?) busy! Reliable, easy to throw together recipes for serious comfort food!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cookbook! The recipes were easy and satisfying.