FOOD NEWS
How Hoover Stew Came Out As A Winning Recipe During The Great Depression
BY ELIZABETH OKOSUN
Amidst economic challenges and soaring food costs, the Great Depression led Americans to rely on cheap, filling, and sometimes odd recipes, including Hoover stew.
Items identified with the Depression were often named after President Herbert Hoover, symbolizing blame for the crisis. For instance, homeless encampments were called Hoovervilles.
Following the trend, Hoover stew was a budget-friendly Depression meal that used up any canned or processed foods in the pantry, from macaroni to hot dogs, tomatoes, and corn.
This stew emerged as a favorite, especially compared to the ketchup sandwiches, roadkill, bean soup, and water-fried pancakes that were also eaten during this time of struggle.
To make Hoover stew, boil your noodles of choice until almost al dente, then drain the water out. Add canned tomatoes, corn, beans, and chopped hot dogs.
You can either drain the veggies or pour in the canning liquid to add extra flavor and bulk to the stew. Bring to a boil, then simmer it for a few more minutes over medium heat.
Once the hot dogs have been heated through, enjoy the stew with bread or dandelion greens, another Depression dish. Don't hesitate to throw in any other canned foods you have.