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Depression Era Hoover Stew

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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