A perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot, or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which foodstuffs are placed and cooked, continuously. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquid are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer if properly maintained. The concept is often a common element in descriptions of medieval inns.
Foods prepared in a perpetual stew have been described as being flavorful due to the manner in which the ingredients blend together. Various ingredients can be used in a perpetual stew such as root vegetables, tubers (potatoes, yams, etc.), and various meats.
We called this “Moscow Soup” at the last couple kitchens I worked in.
Us: Uh, Chef, that’s a lot of different ingredients and leftovers you’re throwing in that soup pot…
Chef: I’m making Moscow Soup! You know how to make Moscow Soup? It’s easy: whatever you’ve got on hand, goes in the pot!