6. Creamed Chipped Beef
This simple dish, often referred to as “SOS” (Shit on a Shingle), was a staple for many during the Depression. It utilizes dried beef and a creamy sauce over toast or biscuits, making it a filling meal.
- 1 cup dried beef, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread or biscuits
In a skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped beef. Sauté for a couple of minutes before stirring in the flour. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over toasted bread or biscuits.
7. Potato Soup
This hearty and comforting potato soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s cheap, filling, and can be made with just a few ingredients.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot, combine the potatoes, onion, and water or broth. Boil until the potatoes are tender. Mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a thicker consistency. Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper. Heat through and serve warm.
8. Cornmeal Mush
Cornmeal mush is a versatile dish that can be served either savory or sweet. It’s made from simple cornmeal and water, making it an affordable option.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Gradually stir in the cornmeal and add salt. Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Serve hot with syrup, honey, or butter for a sweet treat, or with gravy for a savory option.
9. Baked Beans
This dish was a favorite among families looking to stretch their food budget. Baked beans are nutritious, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soak the beans overnight and then cook them until tender. In a baking dish, combine cooked beans with onion, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. Vegetable Fritters
Vegetable fritters are a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. They are economical and can be served as a side dish or snack.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Grate or finely chop the vegetables and mix with flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
11. Rice and Beans
This classic combination is not only filling but also provides a complete protein. Rice and beans were essential for many families during the Depression.
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup canned or cooked beans (any variety)
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot, combine rice, beans, water or broth, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
12. Cabbage and Noodles
This simple dish is a great way to use affordable ingredients like cabbage and pasta. It’s comforting and can be made in under 30 minutes.
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped cabbage. Sauté until tender. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
13. Oatmeal Pancakes
These pancakes are hearty and filling, making them a perfect breakfast option. They are easy to make and use oats, a staple during the Depression.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Butter or oil for cooking
In a bowl, combine rolled oats and milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, add the egg, sugar, and baking powder, mixing until smooth. Heat a skillet with butter or oil and pour in batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
14. Tomato Gravy
A staple from the Depression era, tomato gravy is often served over biscuits or rice. It’s simple, flavorful, and makes use of canned tomatoes.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add water and diced tomatoes, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over warm biscuits or rice.
15. Fruit Compote
This sweet dish is a great way to utilize overripe fruits. It’s easy to prepare and can be used as a topping for pancakes or served as a dessert.
- 2 cups mixed fruits (apples, berries, peaches, etc.)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
In a pot, combine the fruits, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the fruits are soft and the mixture thickens. Allow to cool before serving.
16. Biscuits and Gravy
This Southern classic is both comforting and economical. It uses simple ingredients to create a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound sausage
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the biscuits, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until a dough forms. Roll out and cut into rounds, placing on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes. For the gravy, cook sausage in a skillet, then stir in flour and gradually add milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve gravy over warm biscuits.
17. Sweet Potato Pie
This iconic dessert is a great way to use sweet potatoes, a nutritious and inexpensive ingredient. It’s a delicious way to end a meal.
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pie crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into the pie crust and bake for about 45 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before slicing.
18. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be tailored to whatever ingredients you have on hand. They are filling and nutritious.
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. In a bowl, mix rice, diced tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place in a baking dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the peppers are tender.
19. Cabbage Rolls
Another comforting dish, cabbage rolls are a great way to use cabbage leaves and can be filled with various ingredients.
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the cabbage until leaves are pliable. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, ground meat, salt, and pepper. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each leaf and roll tightly. Place rolls in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.
20. Chicken and Dumplings
This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, creating a comforting meal that is both filling and easy to make.
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
In a large pot, cook chicken in broth until tender. Remove chicken and shred. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir in milk until a dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Return shredded chicken to the pot and cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
21. Apple Crisp
This dessert is a great way to use apples, and it’s simple to make. The crisp topping creates a delicious contrast to the tender apples.
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer sliced apples. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm.
22. Zucchini Bread
This quick bread is an excellent way to use up excess zucchini. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix zucchini, sugar, oil, and eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
23. Savory Rice Pudding
This dish turns traditional sweet rice pudding into a savory version, making it a unique side or main dish.
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup peas or mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add rice and onion. Reduce heat and cover, cooking until rice is tender. Stir in peas or mixed vegetables and season with salt and pepper before serving.
24. Creamed Spinach
This dish is a nutritious way to enjoy spinach and can be served as a side or over toast for a light meal.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
25. Homemade Bread
Baking bread at home was commonplace during the Depression. It’s inexpensive and fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and add yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Mix in flour and salt, kneading until smooth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Shape into a loaf and let rise again. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
These 25 easy Depression era recipes not only offer a glimpse into the past but also provide simple, budget-friendly meals that can be enjoyed today. Each dish tells a story of resilience and resourcefulness, making them perfect for anyone looking to create hearty meals without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to whip up a comforting bowl of potato soup or bake a loaf of homemade bread, these recipes are sure to nourish both body and soul.