Thick stew is a type of dish that is made by simmering ingredients in a liquid for an extended period of time. POTTAGE, a seven letter word, is a thick stew made with vegetables and sometimes meat. GUMBO, a five letter word, is a thick stew from Louisiana that is usually made with okra, tomatoes, and spices. RAGOUT, a six letter word, is a French stew that is usually made with meat, vegetables, and a thick sauce.