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The Great Depression spanned from 1929 to the beginning of World War II in 1939 and was a period of economic instability and severe hardship. But according to Senior Producer Nicole McLaughlin, “it also brought about a lot of ingenuity and resourcefulness, especially when it came to cooking in the kitchen.”
Here Nicole digs into the top culinary concoctions that came from this era, using pantry staples and affordable ingredients to create comforting dishes that keep our bellies (and hearts) full. From Hoover Stew to Wacky Cake, these vintage go-tos still hold up today, proving our grandparents really do have the best recipes.
Hoover Stew
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“Probably the most popular dish that came from the Great Depression,” Hoover Stew is named for the president at the time and is a comforting dish packed with sliced hot dogs (a budget-friendly way to feed a family), canned tomatoes, dried herbs, beans (a great way to stretch a meal), canned corn, and a pound of pasta. Flavor is developed with simple ingredients by caramelizing the hot dogs and building each layer, one step at a time. The result is a hearty bowl that sticks to the ribs in the best way.
Poor Man’s Meal
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This so-called “Poor Man’s Meal” comes from Great Depression Cooking with Clara and is as endearing as the 91-year-old herself. This recipe also starts with sliced hot dogs, but they get fried with potatoes and onions (and a bit of tomato sauce for zest). Not only is it delicious, but it couldn’t be easier.
Egg Drop Soup
One of Nicole’s favorites from childhood, the restaurant-favorite egg drop soup is so easy to make at home with a handful of ingredients. “The eggs are like noodles” here and make for a perfect panacea for whatever ails you. “Remember this in cold and flu season,” she adds.
Stuffed Potato Pancakes
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“Yes, they did eat fresh meat back in the Depression,” Nicole starts off. The difference? Making it stretch. And what better way than mixed with potato, onion, egg, and more for potato pancakes—crispy and delicious. Like a burger and fries, together in one bite, Nicole describes.
Eggs with Peppers and Potatoes
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Another one inspired by Miss Clara, eggs with peppers and potatoes was a childhood go-to for Nicole and her mom. Simply sauté potatoes, peppers, and onions in a pan for about 10 minutes, then add eggs to scramble up a perfect, easy meal.
Cabbage and Noodles
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Cabbage and noodles, or haluski, is an “A-plus” recipe that comes together in a few simple steps. The hearty cabbage practically melts into the egg noodles for a cozy dish that will feed a crowd on just a few dollars. It’s no wonder this has stood the test of time.
Homemade Bread
Using bread to stretch a meal was another trick that came from the Great Depression. Not only was it filling, but you could use it to make other favorites like Creamed Chipped Beef (coming up next) and “Hard Times Tuna” (which Nicole makes on repeat). While bread was available during the Great Depression, it’s also a staple to make at home to save money instead.
Creamed Chipped Beef
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
White gravy (one of the first recipes Nicole ever made) gets simmered with dried beef for a budget-friendly favorite: Creamed Chipped Beef. Over on the recipe page, creator Lisa tells us, “This chipped beef recipe is straight from my mom. We called it SOS (Same Ole Stuff), and it’s great comfort food! It’s easy to make and tastes great with a cold beer.” It’s still an old standby.
Water Pie
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“The most mind-blowing” of the Depression-era desserts, Water Pie is a sweet treat made with water, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and butter, baked in a pie crust. “It actually has flavor in it, you won’t believe it,” assures Nicole. Follow the instructions and “trust the process,” including letting it cool completely before slicing. This recipe is a culinary magic trick you have to try for yourself at least once.
Wacky Cake
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Last but not least, Wacky Cake is Depression-era ingenuity at its finest. It’s a recipe developed to yield a flavorful chocolate cake with a moist, tender crumb, without eggs, butter, or dairy. Instead, in a feat of science, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, vegetable oil, cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and water do the work. The leavening secret? The baking soda and vinegar combo. Not only is it tasty, it’s also beyond easy and comes together in the baking pan itself.
