From the Great Depression to Delicious Dinners: Exploring the Popular Cuisine of the 1930s with a Recipe for Hearty Beef Stew

The 1930s was a time of economic hardship and widespread poverty due to the Great Depression. With limited resources, families had to get creative with the food they could afford and make do with what was available. But despite the challenges, the 1930s also saw the rise of some classic comfort foods that are still enjoyed today.

Let’s take a closer look at the popular foods and meals of the 1930s, and try our hand at cooking up a hearty 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 1930s:

• Beef: Despite the economic struggles of the Great Depression, beef remained a popular meat in the 1930s. It was often used in hearty stews and roasts.
• Canned goods: Canned goods continued to be popular in the 1930s, especially canned fruits and vegetables.
• Bread: Bread was a staple in the 1930s and often used to stretch meals further. Homemade bread was popular, as it was cheaper than store-bought bread.
• Soup: Soup was a popular dish in the 1930s, as it could be made with inexpensive ingredients and could feed a large family.

Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Now, let’s try our hand at making a classic hearty beef stew recipe that was popular during the 1930s. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
6. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

This hearty beef stew recipe is a perfect example of the simple yet satisfying dishes that were popular in the 1930s. Despite the economic challenges, families were able to make delicious meals with a few basic ingredients. The flavors and ingredients of this beef stew recipe evoke a sense of warmth and comfort that was so important during this difficult time in history.