5 Hearty & Frugal Fall Recipes Inspired by the Great Depression

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, cabbage, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with bread for a complete meal.

Tip: You can add a small amount of bacon or sausage if you have it, but the recipe is hearty even without meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn or mixed vegetables
• 1 cup of hot dogs or any leftover meat, sliced
• 4 cups water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, canned vegetables, and hot dogs or leftover meat. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Tip: You can substitute any canned or frozen vegetables you have on hand for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, cooked
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, oats, onion, carrot, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until firm and golden on top.
4. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• Whole milk (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, egg, and oil or melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. To serve, crumble a piece of cornbread into a bowl and pour cold milk over the top. Eat with a spoon for a comforting, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (for the bottom only)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust into a greased pie pan.
2. In a bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and cover with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are soft and juicy.
4. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Tip: If you don’t have a pie crust, you can top the apples with a simple crumble made from flour, sugar, and butter.