Gravy vs. Soup — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 6, 2024
Gravy is a thick sauce made from meat juices, while soup is a liquid dish, often containing pieces of meat or vegetables.
Difference Between Gravy and Soup
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gravy is typically made from the juices of cooked meat or poultry, thickened with flour, cornstarch, or other thickening agents. It is rich, flavorful, and often served as an accompaniment to main dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or meats. On the other hand, soup is a more versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a starter. It comes in countless varieties, ranging from clear broths to thick, creamy concoctions, and can include a wide array of ingredients like meat, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
Gravy's thickness and rich flavor make it a perfect topping or side for dry or less flavorful dishes, enhancing their taste and moisture content. Whereas soups serve as a hearty, standalone dish that can provide a balanced mix of nutrients, making them ideal for a light meal or a warm, comforting dish in cold weather.
The preparation of gravy often involves deglazing the pan used to cook meat to incorporate the flavorful brown bits into the sauce, followed by thickening. Soup preparation, however, can vary greatly—from simmering a simple broth to assembling complex ingredients and spices for a rich, layered flavor profile.
Gravy has a strong presence in traditional cuisines, particularly in American, British, and French culinary traditions. It is a staple at holiday feasts and family gatherings. Soup's cultural relevance spans across the globe, with each cuisine having its unique versions, such as Italian minestrone, Russian borscht, and Chinese wonton soup, reflecting the versatility and universal appeal of soups.
Both gravy and soup can be made ahead of time and stored for later use, but gravy may require additional thinning when reheated, while soups generally freeze and reheat well, making them convenient for meal planning and leftovers.
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Comparison Chart
Base
Meat juices
Water, broth, or stock
Texture
Thick and smooth
Can range from thin to thick
Serving
As a sauce or topping
As a standalone dish
Ingredients
Thickening agents (flour, cornstarch)
Meat, vegetables, grains, legumes
Cultural Significance
Strong presence in American, British, and French cuisines
Global presence with diverse variations
Compare with Definitions
Gravy
Served with meats, poultry, and potatoes.
The roast beef was accompanied by a rich, dark gravy.
Soup
Can be thick (like chowder) or clear (like broth).
He preferred a thick pea soup on cold days.
Gravy
Often flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs.
He made a savory gravy with rosemary and thyme.
Soup
Served hot or cold, depending on the type.
Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup for summer.
Gravy
A sauce made from cooked meat juices and thickening agents.
She poured gravy over the mashed potatoes.
Soup
Often includes herbs, spices, and grains.
She seasoned the vegetable soup with basil and oregano.
Gravy
Enhances flavor and moisture.
Gravy added the perfect moistness to the dry turkey.
Soup
A liquid food made by boiling or simmering meat, fish, or vegetables with various added ingredients.
We had chicken noodle soup for dinner.
Gravy
Can be made from a roux base.
She started the gravy with a mixture of butter and flour.
Soup
Provides a comforting, nutritious meal.
A bowl of hot soup is comforting on a winter evening.
Gravy
Gravy is a sauce, often made from the juices of meats that run naturally during cooking and often thickened with wheat flour or corn starch for added texture. The gravy may be further coloured and flavored with gravy salt (a simple mix of salt and caramel food colouring) or gravy browning (gravy salt dissolved in water) or ready-made cubes and powders can be used as a substitute for natural meat or vegetable extracts.
Soup
Soup is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm or hot (but may be cool or cold), that is made by combining ingredients of meat or vegetables with stock, milk, or water. Hot soups are additionally characterized by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot until the flavors are extracted, forming a broth.
Gravy
A thick sauce made from the fat or juices that come out from meat or vegetables as they are being cooked.
Soup
A liquid food prepared from meat, fish, or vegetable stock combined with various other ingredients and often containing solid pieces.
Gravy
A dark savoury sauce prepared from stock and usually meat juices; brown gravy.
A roast dinner isn't complete without gravy.
Soup
Any of various dishes commonly made by combining liquids, such as water or stock with other ingredients, such as meat and vegetables, that contribute flavor and texture.
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup.
Gravy
Liquid dressing for meat, fish, vegetables, etc.
Soup
Liquid food especially of meat or fish or vegetable stock often containing pieces of solid food
Common Curiosities
What is gravy?
Gravy is a thick sauce made from the juices of cooked meats, thickened with ingredients like flour or cornstarch.
Can gravy be served as a main dish?
No, gravy is typically served as a sauce or topping for main dishes.
Can soup be made without meat?
Yes, soup can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, including just vegetables or legumes.
Can you freeze soup?
Yes, most soups freeze well and can be reheated later.
How do you thicken gravy?
Gravy can be thickened with flour, cornstarch, or other thickening agents.
What are some popular types of soup?
Popular soups include chicken noodle, tomato, minestrone, and lentil.
What is soup?
Soup is a liquid food made by boiling or simmering ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and grains in water or broth.
Is gravy always made from meat juices?
Primarily, yes, but vegetarian versions use vegetable broths and thickening agents.
Is gravy only for holidays?
No, gravy can be enjoyed with everyday meals, though it is popular during holidays.
How long can you store gravy?
Gravy can be refrigerated for a few days and frozen for longer storage.
Why is soup considered comforting?
Its warmth, nourishing ingredients, and ease of digestion make soup a comforting food choice.
Can soup be thick?
Yes, soups can range from thin broths to thick, creamy textures.
Can gravy be vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarian gravy is made with vegetable broths and thickening agents.
What makes soup a versatile dish?
Its ability to incorporate a wide range of ingredients and serve as a main or side dish makes it versatile.
Do you need special ingredients to make gravy?
Basic gravy requires meat juices, a thickening agent, and seasonings.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
