Introduction

Depression era Hoover Stew is a humble, budget-friendly dish born from necessity during tough economic times. This simple recipe combines affordable pantry staples into a surprisingly comforting meal, showcasing how resourceful cooking can create nourishment even with limited ingredients. It remains a poignant reminder of culinary resilience and a piece of living history worth experiencing in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

This humble Depression era Hoover Stew comes together with simple, economical ingredients that create a surprisingly comforting and hearty meal, evoking the resourceful spirit of its time with every savory spoonful.

• 1 package hot dogs (or smoked sausage), sliced
• 1 can condensed tomato soup
• 1 can mixed vegetables, undrained
• 1 can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 4 cups water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Context: This Depression era Hoover Stew is about 30% faster than similar recipes due to its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Broth Base

In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups of water with 2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to fully dissolve the bouillon.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water with beef broth or use homemade stock if available. This creates the savory foundation essential for an authentic Depression era Hoover Stew.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Once the broth is boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir briefly to prevent sticking, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). The pasta will continue cooking later with other ingredients, so avoid overcooking at this stage.

Step 3 — Add Canned Vegetables

Drain one 15-ounce can of corn and one 15-ounce can of green beans, then add both to the pot along with one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained). The tomato liquid will contribute to the stew’s consistency.

Stir gently to combine all ingredients. The colorful mixture of vegetables creates the characteristic appearance of this budget-friendly Depression era Hoover Stew.

Step 4 — Incorporate the Hot Dogs

Slice 4-6 hot dogs into ¼-inch rounds and add them to the simmering stew. Stir to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

For enhanced flavor, you can briefly pan-sear the hot dog slices before adding them to the stew. This adds a slight caramelization that elevates the simple ingredients.

Step 5 — Simmer to Combine Flavors

Reduce heat to low and simmer the Depression era Hoover Stew uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the hot dogs to heat through.

The stew is ready when the hot dog slices are plump and heated to 165°F internally, and the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 6 — Season and Adjust Consistency

Taste the stew and season with black pepper and salt if needed (remember the bouillon and canned vegetables contain salt). For thicker stew, simmer 5-10 minutes longer uncovered.

If the Depression era Hoover Stew becomes too thick, add ¼ to ½ cup of water or broth until reaching your desired consistency. The final texture should be hearty but still soupy.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Ladle the hot Depression era Hoover Stew into bowls and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid over time.

For authentic presentation, serve with simple crackers or bread to stretch the meal further, staying true to the economical spirit of the original recipe.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Reduces saturated fat while maintaining the protein content and savory flavor profile.
• Low-sodium vegetable broth — Cuts down on salt significantly while keeping the comforting, savory base of the Depression era Hoover Stew.
• Cauliflower rice — A lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta or potatoes that absorbs the stew’s flavors beautifully.
• Lentils or chickpeas — Excellent plant-based protein swaps that add heartiness and fiber to this classic dish.
• Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk — Provides a creamy, dairy-free alternative if the recipe calls for milk or cream.
• Gluten-free pasta or quinoa — Makes the stew suitable for gluten-free diets while maintaining the satisfying, starchy component.
• Fresh or frozen mixed vegetables — Boosts nutritional value and flavor compared to canned versions, with no added sodium.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread or simple crackers to soak up the flavorful broth
• Serve alongside a simple green salad for a more balanced meal
• Offer with pickled vegetables to cut through the richness
• Accompany with cornbread for a classic Depression-era combination
• Present in rustic bowls to enhance the humble, comforting nature

This Depression era Hoover Stew shines when served family-style, encouraging sharing and conversation about its historical significance. The simple presentation honors its origins while the hearty ingredients provide genuine comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-quality hot dogs. Fix: Opt for all-beef franks to provide richer flavor and better texture, honoring the dish’s humble roots without compromising taste.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta until mushy. Fix: Cook elbow macaroni al dente so it holds its shape and absorbs the stew’s flavors without disintegrating.
• Mistake: Adding raw onions directly to the pot. Fix: Sauté diced onions first to mellow their sharpness and develop a sweet, caramelized base for your Depression era Hoover Stew.
• Mistake: Skipping the tomato paste. Fix: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the aromatics to build a deeper, more complex tomato foundation.
• Mistake: Dumping all ingredients at once. Fix: Layer components by adding sturdier vegetables like potatoes early and delicate peas last to preserve texture and color.
• Mistake: Underseasoning due to fear of salt. Fix: Season in stages and taste at the end; the potatoes and pasta need adequate salt to keep the stew from tasting flat.
• Mistake: Using watery canned tomatoes. Fix: Choose crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for a thicker, more cohesive broth that clings to the pasta.
• Mistake: Neglecting the simmer. Fix: Let the stew simmer gently for 20–30 minutes after combining to allow the flavors to marry fully, just as home cooks did during the Depression.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Depression era Hoover Stew quickly and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze Hoover Stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches 165°F.

Always use shallow containers to speed up cooling and prevent bacterial growth when storing this Depression era Hoover Stew.

Conclusion

Depression era Hoover Stew is a testament to making delicious, comforting food with simple, affordable ingredients. This budget-friendly meal connects us to history while providing nourishment. Give this economical recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Depression Era Hoover Stew

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Pin Recipe

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, often served in soup kitchens and Hoovervilles to feed many people with limited resources.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Main
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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.
2. Slice hot dogs into coin-sized pieces.
3. In a large saucepan, add sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, sweet corn with liquid, and drained and rinsed pinto beans.
4. Stir in dried Italian herbs and diced garlic.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and heat through for several minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
7. Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This recipe was a staple during the Great Depression for its affordability and ability to feed many people. Adding Parmesan cheese is a modern enhancement that adds flavor but was not part of the original recipe. You can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 900
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 50
• Fiber: 6
• Protein: 15
• Cholesterol: 25

FAQs

What is Depression era Hoover Stew?

Depression era Hoover Stew is a simple, budget-friendly meal from the Great Depression. It typically combines inexpensive ingredients like hot dogs, pasta, and canned vegetables. This dish was created to stretch food supplies during hard times.

What ingredients are in Depression era Hoover Stew?

Classic ingredients include hot dogs, macaroni or other pasta, canned corn, and canned tomatoes. You can also add beans or other cheap vegetables. The Depression era Hoover Stew recipe is flexible to use what you have on hand.