Recipes

Hoover Stew is a simple, hearty Depression-era American dish named after U.S. President Herbert Hoover. During the Great Depression (1929–1939), many inexpensive or improvisational products and practices were humorously named after Hoover, as many citizens blamed him for the nation’s economic struggles.

Origin of the Name

During this period, several ironic expressions emerged:

• Hoover blankets — newspapers used as blankets
• Hoover flags — pants pockets turned inside out to show emptiness
• Hoovervilles — improvised settlements built by the homeless
• Hoover Stew — a cheap, filling stew made from whatever ingredients were available

The name reflects both thrift and pragmatism.

Cooking Time:
30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 200 g pasta
• 200 g canned red beans
• 200 g canned corn
• 200 g crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
• 100 g sausages
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tsp sunflower oil

Recipe:

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 7 minutes.
2. Slice the sausages and fry lightly in sunflower oil.
3. Add tomatoes, corn, and beans. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked pasta, mix well, and simmer 10–15 minutes covered.
5. Remove lid and cook until excess liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.