Depression Era Hoover Stew is a simple, hearty dish from the Great Depression era made with pasta, canned vegetables, and hot dogs. This dish was created during a time when food scarcity was common, serving as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. It’s not just a meal; it’s a slice of history that continues to warm hearts today.
Why You’ll Love This Depression Era Hoover Stew
This comforting dish has several reasons to love it. First, it’s incredibly affordable, making it one of the best budget-friendly meals from the Depression. Second, it’s a complete meal in one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning. Third, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients, offering a balance of protein from the hot dogs and fiber from the beans. Fourth, it’s customizable: you can add any leftover vegetables for extra flavor. Fifth, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes. Finally, it holds a nostalgic value, representing a significant historical recipe from the 1930s that reflects the ingenuity of that era.
Ingredients for Depression Era Hoover Stew
Gather these items:
- 16 ounces small pasta shapes (macaroni preferred)
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 to 16 ounces each)
- 1 can sweet corn (15 to 16 ounces)
- 1 can pinto beans (15 to 16 ounces)
- 1 pack hot dogs (16 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic, diced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Make Depression Era Hoover Stew Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
- Step 2: Slice hot dogs into coin-sized pieces.
- Step 3: In a large saucepan, add sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, sweet corn with liquid, and drained and rinsed pinto beans.
- Step 4: Stir in dried Italian herbs and diced garlic.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer and heat through for several minutes.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
- Step 7: Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Depression Era Hoover Stew
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a burst of flavor if you have them on hand.
- Make sure to rinse the pinto beans to reduce the sodium content.
- For added richness, consider using beef hot dogs instead of pork.
- This dish is best served hot, but you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it.
Best Ways to Serve Depression Era Hoover Stew
This one-pot meal is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. Another idea is to top it with a sprinkle of cheese, adding a creamy texture. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal experience, making it one of the easy one-pot meals for families.
How to Store and Reheat Depression Era Hoover Stew
To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Era Hoover Stew
What’s the secret to perfect Depression Era Hoover Stew?
The secret lies in using quality ingredients and adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices or veggies to make it your own!
Can I make Depression Era Hoover Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well, and the flavors often deepen after sitting. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Depression Era Hoover Stew?
Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can turn mushy in the stew. Also, don’t skip rinsing the beans to ensure a better flavor and texture.
Variations of Depression Era Hoover Stew You Can Try
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or chili powder. You can also swap out the hot dogs for sausage or diced chicken for a different protein. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables to maintain the hearty texture. These variations highlight the adaptability of this Depression-era cooking technique.
For more budget-friendly meal ideas, check out last recipes or try cheesy mashed potato balls for a comforting side dish. You might also enjoy Mediterranean chicken for a flavorful twist on dinner.
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Depression Era Hoover Stew: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Hoover Stew is a simple, hearty dish from the Great Depression era made with pasta, canned vegetables, and hot dogs. It was designed to be affordable and filling.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces small pasta shapes (macaroni preferred)
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 to 16 ounces each)
- 1 can sweet corn (15 to 16 ounces)
- 1 can pinto beans (15 to 16 ounces)
- 1 pack hot dogs (16 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic, diced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
- Slice hot dogs into coin-sized pieces.
- In a large saucepan, add sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, sweet corn with liquid, and drained and rinsed pinto beans.
- Stir in dried Italian herbs and diced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and heat through for several minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
- Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Hoover Stew, Depression Era Recipes, Comfort Food
