Step back in time and discover the resilience of the human spirit through a culinary journey of survival. Our blog, “Survival Suppers,” explores 8 recipes that sustained families during the Great Depression. In the face of economic hardship, creativity in the kitchen became essential. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these recipes, passed down through generations, and learn how they became a source of comfort and sustenance during challenging times. From pantry staples to inventive cooking techniques, these dishes are a testament to the power of resourcefulness and community in overcoming adversity.
8 Recipes That Got Us Through the Great Depression
1. Depression-Era Bean Soup
During the Great Depression, beans were a dietary staple due to their affordability and versatility. This hearty bean soup, a nutritious and budget-friendly choice, sustained families through tough times.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and soak beans overnight. Drain.
- In a large pot, combine beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf.
- Add enough water to cover ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
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2. Victory Garden Vegetable Stew
With fresh produce in short supply during the Great Depression, families turned to homegrown vegetables. This Victory Garden Vegetable Stew celebrates the ingenuity of making the most of what was available.
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Herbs and spices of choice
Instructions
- In a pot, combine all vegetables and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Season with herbs and spices according to taste.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the flavors of a bygone era.
3. Hoover Stew
Named after President Herbert Hoover, this stew was a simple yet filling meal during the Great Depression. With its minimal ingredients, Hoover Stew epitomizes resourcefulness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion.
- Add potatoes and carrots to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add enough water to cover ingredients.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
4. Potato Pancakes with Depression-Era Twist
Potatoes, being a readily available and inexpensive staple, played a significant role in Depression-era cooking. Potato pancakes were a comforting dish that transformed humble ingredients into a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine grated potatoes, chopped onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spoon portions of the mixture into the skillet, flattening to form pancakes.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with applesauce or sour cream for a taste of history.
5. Depression-Era Cornbread
Cornbread became a staple during the Great Depression due to its simplicity and minimal use of ingredients. This Depression-Era Cornbread recipe reflects the resourcefulness of making a delicious side dish with basic pantry items.
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
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
6. Depression-Era Peanut Butter Cookies
In times of scarcity, creativity in the kitchen extended to dessert. These Depression-Era Peanut Butter Cookies showcase a simple yet delicious treat made with basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Depression-Era Eggless Chocolate Cake
Eggs were often scarce during the Great Depression, leading to creative baking solutions like this Eggless Chocolate Cake. Moist and flavorful, it’s a testament to making do with what was available.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
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8. Depression-Era Mock Apple Pie
With fresh apples often scarce, this Depression-Era Mock Apple Pie ingeniously uses crackers as a substitute, creating a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed crackers
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cream of tartar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil.
- Add crushed crackers and lemon juice, stirring until well mixed.
- Line a pie dish with the crust and pour in the cracker mixture.
- Top with another layer of crust, seal edges, and make small slits on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown.
These Depression-era recipes offer a taste of history, showcasing the resourcefulness and creativity of individuals who navigated through challenging times. Cooking these dishes not only provides a culinary experience but also connects us to a resilient past, reminding us of the power of simplicity and innovation in the kitchen.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the recipes that got us through the Great Depression, we are reminded of the strength found in simplicity and unity. These culinary treasures, born out of necessity, continue to inspire and connect us to a resilient past. Through the shared experience of preparing and enjoying these dishes, we honor the enduring spirit of those who faced adversity with creativity and determination. Let these recipes serve as a reminder that, even in challenging times, the simple act of gathering around a table can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of community.
FAQs
Pantry staples like beans, rice, oats, and inexpensive vegetables were prevalent. Dishes were often made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Families embraced resourceful cooking methods, such as one-pot meals and stretching ingredients to create filling and satisfying dishes.