To avoid it, make a stew hash (5)

I believe the answer is:

waste

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'to avoid it' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a stew hash' is the wordplay.
'hash' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'stew'='astew'
'astew' anagrammed gives 'WASTE'.

'make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for waste that I've seen before include "Misuse" , "Uncultivated area" , "Detritus" , "Rubbish, barren land" , "Useless leftovers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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