Save Money With These 3 Meal Prep Ideas Inspired by WW2 Rationing
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World War II rationing required households to be inventive with limited ingredients.
In an era where food was scarce, people adapted by creating simple yet nutritious meals, often using items that were shelf-stable and readily available.
The lessons from this period can inspire us today, especially when it comes to meal prep and reducing food waste. Here are three meal prep ideas inspired by WW2 rationing.
1. Lentil cottage pie
During WW2, meat was scarce, and home cooks frequently substituted with legumes. A lentil-based cottage pie is a hearty and nutritious option that can be prepped in advance for multiple meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green)
- 2 large potatoes (for the mashed topping)
- Mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
- Onion and garlic
- Stock or broth (vegetable or chicken)
- A tablespoon of butter or margarine (optional, for the mashed potatoes)
Steps:
- Cook the lentils: Simmer in water or broth for about 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the filling: Sauté onions and garlic, then add cooked lentils and mixed frozen vegetables. Simmer in stock for added flavor.
- Mash the potatoes: Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash with a little butter or margarine.
- Assemble: Layer the lentil mixture at the bottom of a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Green Lentils
2. Carrot and oat pancakes
Carrots were often used as a sweetener in baked goods and pancakes during rationing. These carrot and oat pancakes are filling, healthy, and great for breakfast or snacks. You can make a batch and keep them in the freezer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor
- A tablespoon of sugar or honey (optional)
Steps:
- Blend the oats: Pulse rolled oats in a blender to make oat flour.
- Mix the ingredients: Combine oat flour, grated carrot, eggs, milk, and spices into a batter.
- Cook: Heat a pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter to cook pancakes. Flip when bubbles appear.
- Serve: These can be topped with a little honey or yogurt, depending on availability and preferences.
CAINFY Pancake Non-stick Pan (Suitable for All Stovetops)
3. Eggless oatmeal cookies
Eggs were a precious commodity during WW2, leading to the development of eggless baking recipes. Oatmeal cookies made with limited ingredients are a wonderful snack or dessert option.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour (any kind, including gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Raisins or currants (optional)
Steps:
- Cream the butter and sugar: Mix until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. If desired, add a handful of raisins.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
War time meal ideas
Meal prepping with inspiration from WW2 rationing is an excellent way to stretch your ingredients, reduce waste, and create delicious, nutritious meals.
These ideas — lentil cottage pie, carrot and oat pancakes, and eggless oatmeal cookies — are perfect for preparing meals in advance.
By following the wisdom of past generations, you can make the most out of simple ingredients and incorporate them into your weekly meal prep routine.
Do you have any recipes inspired by war time rationing? Comment down below.
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