Is a Two-Handled Bowl for Cream Soup Called a Tureen? Understanding Soup Bowls and Serving Dishes
A two-handled bowl specifically designed for serving cream soup isn't always called a tureen, although that's a common misconception. While tureens often do have two handles and are used for serving soup, the term "tureen" encompasses a broader range of soup serving vessels. Let's delve deeper into the nuances of soup bowls and their various names.
What is a Tureen?
A tureen is a large, deep bowl with a lid, typically used for serving soup or stew. The lid helps to keep the soup warm and prevents spills. Tureens can be made from various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, silver, and even wood. While many tureens have two handles for easier carrying and stability, this isn't a defining characteristic. A tureen's defining features are its size, depth, and the presence of a lid.
What is a Cream Soup Bowl?
A cream soup bowl, on the other hand, is a bowl specifically designed for serving cream soups. These bowls are often shallower and wider than typical soup bowls, and are designed to showcase the creamy texture and often elegant presentation of cream soups. They may or may not have handles. While a two-handled cream soup bowl exists, it's less common than a tureen specifically designed for cream soup.
What if a Cream Soup Bowl Has Two Handles?
If you have a two-handled bowl designed for cream soup, it could accurately be described as a two-handled cream soup bowl or a serving bowl for cream soup. It's not necessarily incorrect to call it a tureen if it's large enough and the style fits the description, but the term "tureen" might be more accurately used for a larger, lidded vessel.
What are other types of soup bowls?
Beyond tureens and cream soup bowls, several other types of soup bowls exist, catering to different soups and serving styles:
- Soup plates: These are shallower, wider bowls, often used for clear broths or lighter soups.
- Individual soup bowls: Smaller bowls for individual servings of soup.
- French onion soup bowls: Specifically designed for French onion soup, featuring an oven-safe design and often a wider rim.
What material are soup bowls made from?
Soup bowls are typically made from:
- Ceramic: A common and versatile material, offering durability and variety in design.
- Porcelain: A type of ceramic known for its fine texture and translucency.
- Stoneware: A durable, low-porosity ceramic material.
- Metal (Stainless Steel): Often used for durability and easy cleaning.
In conclusion, while a two-handled bowl could be used for cream soup, and might even be called a tureen depending on its size and lid, it's more accurately described by its function: a two-handled cream soup bowl. The term "tureen" implies a specific type of serving vessel with a lid, regardless of the number of handles. Choosing the right term depends on the specific characteristics of the bowl.
