When we think about the Great Depression, the last thing that comes most of our minds is food - not surprising since food was notoriously scarce at the time. Nevertheless, some truly innovative concoctions came out of this period.
Here are five tasty examples:
This strange but satisfying combination is one of the heartier choices on the list.
To Make:
1. Melt two tablespoons of butter into a saucepan, then add two tablespoons of flour.
2. Stir the mixture for around two minutes, making sure to pop any bubbles that may appear.
3. Blend in one cup of hot milk at a high heat and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lower the heat and pour in two cups of peas. Smooth the pea mixture onto the top of toasted bread and enjoy.
This is pretty much a simplified version of the well-known Chinese dish. The eggs serve as a brilliant source of protein, especially when low budgets do not allow the purchasing of meat.
To Make Four Servings:
1. Add two 16-ounce cans of chicken broth to a saucepan and start to bring to the boil.
2. While bringing the broth to the boil, crack 4 to 5 large eggs into a small bowl and whisk them as if you were making an omelet.
3. Once the broth is boiling, stir in the egg mixture (the eggs should harden quickly).
4. turn the heat off and beat the broth in order to separate the scrambled pieces. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Funnily enough, this cheap treat was a favorite of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He had a notoriously distinctive palate, so there must be something behind this dish.
To Make:
1. Add half a pound of pitted prunes to a medium-sized saucepan, then add in two cups of hot water and let it stand for one hour.
2. Bring the mixture to the boil. Then, reduce the heat and drain the prunes. Chop all the fruit so that it is diced finely.
3. Add water to the saucepan so that it equals out to two cups. Add half a cup of sugar, a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a one-inch cinnamon stick.
4. In a separate saucepan, mix three tablespoons of corn starch with two tablespoons of cold water. Introduce it to the prune mixture and set on a low heat for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the Cinnamon stick and place in the fridge to cool.
This is a great dish to make if you just so happen to have a load of mash left over from a previous dinner.
To Make:
1. Mix two cups of mashed potatoes, one large egg, and a quarter of a cup of all-purpose flour in a bowl.
2. Heat two to three tablespoons of grease or oil in a pan.
3. Once the pan is warm, add the potato mixture and shape as if you were about to make standard pancakes. Fry until each one is brown on both sides.
4. Top with syrup, apple sauce or fruit.
Don't get put off by the title of this dish - this stew packs serious flavor.
To Make:
1. Simmer three chopped potatoes along with a chopped onion in three tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add four tablespoons of tomato sauce and allow to warm.
3. Next, throw in four sliced hot dogs and half a cup of water. Cook until the potatoes are nice and soft.
Source: tiphero
