15 Common Meals People Ate During the Great Depression

The Great Depression, a severe economic downturn from 1929 to late 1939, was marked by widespread unemployment, poverty, and food shortages. In this challenging context, families had to rely on their resourcefulness in the kitchen, creating inexpensive and simple meals that were a testament to their resilience and creativity.

Here are 15 everyday meals that people relied on during this challenging period:

Hoover Stew

Named after President Herbert Hoover, this stew consisted of macaroni, hot dogs, tomatoes, and canned vegetables. It was a hearty, budget-friendly meal, perfect for feeding a family on a tight budget.

Cornmeal Mush

Cornmeal mush was a versatile and filling dish. Made from boiled cornmeal, it could be served hot for breakfast or allowed to cool and solidify, then sliced and fried for other meals.

Chipped Beef on Toast

Also known as “S.O.S” (a less polite term), this dish consisted of dried beef in a creamy white sauce served over toast. It was a staple in many homes and became popular in military mess halls.

Bean soup

Beans were a staple during the Great Depression due to their affordability and nutritional value. Bean soup, often made with ham hocks or plain seasoning, was an everyday meal.

Milk Toast

It is a comforting, simple dish made by pouring warm milk over buttered toast, sometimes with sugar and cinnamon added for extra flavor.

Dandelion Salad

Foraging became essential, and dandelions were plentiful and free. Dandelion greens made a nutritious salad with vinegar and sometimes some bacon.

Mock Apple Pie

Crackers, sugar, and spices were used to mimic the taste of apple pie when apples were scarce. The result was surprisingly convincing, and sweet cravings were satisfied without the cost of fresh fruit.

Peanut Butter Stuffed Baked Onions

A unique combination born out of necessity, baked onions stuffed with peanut butter provided protein and flavor despite the limited ingredients.

Prune Pudding

Prunes were affordable and had a long shelf life. Cooked into a pudding, they made for a sweet and satisfying dessert.

Potato Pancakes

Grated potatoes mixed with flour and egg, then fried, made for a simple yet filling meal. Often referred to as “latkes,” these could be topped with whatever condiments were on hand.

Egg Drop Soup

A frugal way to make a hearty soup is to add beaten eggs to boiling broth. This Chinese-inspired dish is both nourishing and inexpensive.

Tomato Soup Cake

Despite its unusual name, this cake used condensed tomato soup as a base ingredient. It was an example of making do with what was available, resulting in a surprisingly tasty dessert.

Mayonnaise Sandwiches

When meats and other fillings were scarce, a simple sandwich with mayonnaise (or sometimes just lard) was a go-to option for many households.

Ritz Mock Apple Pie

Crushed Ritz crackers replaced apples in this mock pie, flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, to create a surprisingly apple-like taste.

Goulash

A simple yet hearty meal made with ground meat (if available), macaroni, tomatoes, and onions. It was a one-pot dish that could feed a whole family.

Reflecting on Resilience

These meals, born out of necessity, were about survival and coming together as a community. They remind us that, even in the most challenging times, people find ways to share and make do with what they have. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food historian, or a home cook looking for inspiration, these past recipes offer a glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived through the Great Depression and the sense of unity that prevailed.

Feel free to embark on a culinary journey and recreate some of these historical dishes—they might surprise you with their simplicity and flavor! By doing so, you’re not just tasting history but also paying homage to the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived through the Great Depression. Sometimes, the best meals come from making the most of what you have.

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