Step Back in Time: Discover the Popular Foods and Meals of the 1910s, with a Recipe for Hearty Beef Stew

Do you ever wonder what people used to eat in the 1910s? The era was known for its hearty and filling meals that were meant to feed large families. The dinner table was often filled with comforting dishes like stews, roasts, and pies.

Let’s take a closer look at the popular foods and meals of the 1910s, and even try our hand at cooking up a classic beef stew recipe.

Popular Dinner Table Items

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore some of the popular items that were commonly found on the dinner table during the 1910s:

• Meat: Beef, pork, and chicken were common meats that were used in many dishes.
• Potatoes: This versatile vegetable was often used as a side dish, mashed or boiled, and was also added to stews and casseroles.
• Bread: Bread was a staple of the 1910s diet and was often homemade.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and peas were popular vegetables in the 1910s and were often used in stews and other dishes.
• Canned goods: Canned goods were becoming more popular in the 1910s, especially canned fruits and vegetables.

Beef Stew Recipe

Now, let’s try our hand at making a classic beef stew recipe that was popular during the 1910s. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef pieces with the flour until well-coated.
3. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
6. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot and stir well.
7. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven.
9. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
10. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This classic beef stew recipe is the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a cold night. The flavors and ingredients are reminiscent of the simple and hearty meals that were popular during the 1910s.