Depression Meal

Tonight we had a recipe from the Great Depression called the Poor Man’s Meal. The goal of this meal was to have a meal that was cheap and hearty – two big goals of any meal during the Great Depression. With people out of work, they needed a meal that could feed their family but do so cheaply. Enter the hot dog.  Right around 1929 the humble and inexpensive Hot Dog could be bought for about $0.08 per pound.

With a few ingredients that most people already have on hand, this meal can be prepared rather quickly.  Below is a recipe I found with measurements, I usually just throw it together.  

Ingredients (makes about 6 servings):

*6 regular sized Russet potatoes, washed peeled and cubed bite-size

*1 large yellow or white onion, sliced or chopped

*some vegetable oil for cooking (about 3 Tbsp. or as needed)

*optional: about 1/4 C. water

*4 hot dogs, cut into bite-sized pieces

*about 2 Tbsp. salsa (I like using Pace Chunky Mild Salsa)

       We didn't use salsa in ours

*salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Put the cubed potatoes and the chopped onion in a large frying pan (I used a large cast iron skillet).   Drizzle the cooking oil on top and turn the heat to medium. Let potatoes slowly brown, and mix them around every few minutes so they cook more evenly. If you want to add about 1/4 cup of water to help the potatoes soften, you can.

Once the potatoes are tender to your liking and the onions are cooked, add the bite-sized hot dogs and salsa. Gently mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

ENJOY!

“Before, during and after the Depression, hot dogs were the food of everyday people, because they were good, they were tasty, and they could stretch a dollar!”