10 Recipes from the Great Depression That Helped Us Through

The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a period of economic hardship that profoundly influenced American culture and cuisine. Despite scarce resources, families found innovative ways to stretch their meals, making do with what was available. These recipes, born out of necessity, are a testament to the resilience and creativity of that era. Here are ten recipes from the Great Depression that helped many get through tough times.

1. Hoover Stew

Named after President Hoover, this dish combined macaroni, canned tomatoes, hot dogs, and any available vegetables. It’s a hearty, affordable meal that could feed a large family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 hot dogs, sliced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine cooked macaroni, tomatoes, hot dogs, and vegetables.
3. Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve hot.

2. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Often called SOS (Same Old Stuff), this dish featured dried beef in a creamy sauce served over toast. It was a staple for its simplicity and filling nature.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 8 oz dried beef, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of toast

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Add sliced beef, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over toasted bread.

3. Cornbread and Milk

A simple, comforting dish that required minimal ingredients, cornbread and milk could be eaten as a meal or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• Additional milk for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
3. Combine and stir until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Serve warm, crumbled into a bowl with milk.

4. Potato Pancakes

Made from simple potatoes, these pancakes were easy to prepare and incredibly versatile.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix grated potatoes, onion, egg, and flour in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly.
5. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

5. Depression-Era Chocolate Cake (Wacky Cake)

This cake, made without eggs, butter, or milk, became popular for its simplicity and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In an ungreased 8×8-inch baking pan, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make three wells in the dry ingredients. Pour vinegar into one, vanilla into another, and vegetable oil into the third.
4. Pour water over all, and mix until smooth.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Navy Bean Soup

A hearty, nutritious soup made from dried beans, often flavored with a ham bone if available.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 1 ham bone (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak beans overnight, then drain.
2. In a large pot, combine beans, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, and water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours.
4. Remove ham bone, chop any meat, and return to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

7. Peanut Butter Bread

An easy-to-make bread that was filling and delicious, often enjoyed with a spread of jam or more peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add milk and peanut butter, mixing until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Mock Apple Pie

Using Ritz crackers instead of apples, this pie mimicked the taste and texture of apple pie when fruit was scarce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 double pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in cinnamon and lemon juice.
4. Line a pie pan with one crust, fill with cracker crumbs, and pour syrup over crumbs.
5. Cover with top crust, crimp edges, and cut slits for steam.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Oatmeal Pancakes

Using oats instead of flour, these pancakes were a hearty breakfast option that stretched a little a long way.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Soak oats in buttermilk for 5 minutes.
2. Add egg and oil, stirring to combine.
3. Mix in flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cook on a hot griddle until bubbles form and edges are set, then flip and cook until golden.

10. Poor Man’s Meal

A simple skillet meal of potatoes, onions, and hot dogs or sausage, providing a filling dinner with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 hot dogs or sausages, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add potatoes and cook until they begin to soften.
3. Add onions and continue cooking until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in hot dogs or sausages, cooking until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

These recipes, though born of necessity, are timeless reminders of the resourcefulness and endurance of those who lived through the Great Depression. They continue to inspire and nourish, reminding us that simplicity and creativity can create memorable and satisfying meals.