What about the resourcefulness of the Great Depression? It was a time when innovative cooking using very basic ingredients was a way of life. Recipes created out of necessity have now become comfort food. We feel the warmth and the sense of history in our own kitchens as we food. We’re going to look at some dishes from the era of the Depression that are now making a delightful return, and are definitely creative.
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Hoover Stew
Named after President Hoover, this very basic stew became a part of many households in the time of the Great Depression. It was a time where every ingredient was very important, and every penny counted. The stew is made with macaroni, canned tomatoes, hot dogs, and canned vegetables. It has very basic and simple flavors which remind us of a time we were very resilient. You can learn more about this time period on the History Channel.
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Cornbread and Milk
During very tough times, eating broken pieces of cornbread in milk was a very filling and nutritious meal. What we now call Crumbled cornbread and milk gets to the essence of what real food is. You can rediscover this at the Library of Congress.
Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes became a versatile dish that was enjoyed at any meal during the day. It was made by grating inexpensive potatoes and mixing them with flour. When you fry them until golden, they become a very tasty dish. You can learn more about the history of potato recipes at The Spruce Eats.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Cadets often affectionately call it SOS. This military dish consists of dried beef in a white sauce served over toast. During resource scarcity, it was a budget-friendly way to add flavor and fill up a plate. Learn more about the dish on Slate.
Egg Drop Soup
Beaten eggs swirled into boiling broth to create a soup that is both body and soul warming. With just a few ingredients, Egg Drop Soup is a classic dish that warms you up quick. NPR takes a look at the different variations and history.
Peanut Butter Bread
A simple quick bread recipe using no yeast and was made with peanut butter to add protein. The ingenious use of ingredients is the same reason it is still beloved in modern cooking. Learn about cooking during the Depression at the Library of Congress.
Depression Cake
The dessert is also called Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake. This cake was an improvisation during the economic crisis as it has no eggs, milk, or butter. With quite the cleverness, it used vinegar and baking soda to rise! It is a generational hit. Fascinating history found at History.com.
Mock Apple Pie
Mock Apple Pie uses Ritz crackers, sugar, and spices instead of apples. It was designed as a substitute when fresh produce, particularly apples, was not available. The recipe is nostalgic and playful. Good Housekeeping has more about the recipe.
Chili Mac
Chili and macaroni is a great meal for the family. It is easy and inexpensive to make and is great for tough economic times. It has a great mix of flavors and is easy to prepare. It also provides a lot of comfort. You can read about cooking during the Depression Era in the Smithsonian Magazine.
Baked Beans on Toast
Baked beans on toast was a classic meal that was easy, filling, and cost-effective. To learn more about the classic meal, you can visit NPR about Depression era cooking.
Milk Toast
Milk toast is made by pouring warmed milk over toasts that have butter on them and sometimes a sprinkle of sugar or honey. This meal is a classic for the sick and children. To learn more about the meal, visit Southern Living for more information.
Victory Garden Soup
Victory Garden Soup was a great way to use all of your homegrown veggies from the Victory Gardens, which symbolized self sufficiency during the tough times of the Great Depression. The resourcefulness required during these time is a lesson we can still use today and the soup is a great example of that. The National Park Service has more information on Victory Gardens.
Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal Cookies do not require items like eggs, butter, or milk and are a great sweet option for when those items are not available. With a chewy texture and a flavor that is hard to beat, the cookies are a classic. To learn more about the history of oatmeal cookies, visit the Food Timeline.
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding was a great comforting dessert option during hard times. A traditional rice pudding recipe is sweet and creamy and offers a comforting taste. The Spruce Eats has great traditional recipes for rice pudding.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs are a unique appetizer that combines grape jelly’s sweetness and meatballs’ savory and delicious flavor. This dish was created out of necessity but has continued to delight and entertain with its inventive and creative flavor combination.
