Tough Times - Hoover Stew Recipe

My ancestors in the United States (who immigrated from Scotland, faced tremendous hardship during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl Era. The rest of the world faced equally hard times as people just struggled to survive. The recipe below is easy to make at home, even easy to do on a camping trip. Try it out to see how ancestors came up with some good ideas for a hearty meal in spite of hard times!

Depression-Era "Hoover Stew" A hearty, budget-friendly dish born from ingenuity during tough times. This one-pot meal uses pantry staples, stretches ingredients, and delivers comforting flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)

• 2 tbsp oil or bacon grease

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• 2 cups chopped hot dogs or smoked sausage (substitute canned beans for vegetarian)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained

• 2 cups broth (or water + 1 bouillon cube)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic for 1 minute.

3. Combine everything: Add hot dogs, tomatoes, beans, broth, paprika, and cooked pasta. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. Season: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.

Why It’s Perfect

• Frugal: Uses cheap proteins (hot dogs/beans) and pantry staples.

• Nutritious: Balanced with carbs, protein, and veggies.

• Customizable: Add corn, spinach, or a splash of vinegar for brightness.

• Fills bellies: Hearty and satisfying.

Serve with cornbread, crackers, or a dollop of mustard for extra flair. This recipe embodies resilience and resourcefulness—traits that turned simple ingredients into comfort.