Which kitchen tool is primarily used to serve soups and stews?

The ladle is specifically designed for serving liquids such as soups, stews, and sauces. Its deep, rounded bowl allows for easy scooping and pouring of these items from pots or bowls without spilling, making it an essential tool for serving. The long handle provides a comfortable grip and helps reach into deeper containers, ensuring that you can serve generous portions without difficulty.

In contrast, a thermometer is utilized for measuring the internal temperature of foods, ensuring they are cooked properly, while a spatula is primarily meant for flipping or lifting solid foods. A rubber spatula is great for scraping bowls or folding ingredients but is not suited for serving soups and stews due to its flat shape and lack of capacity to hold liquids. Thus, the ladle stands out as the most appropriate tool for this specific task.