Preparing for the Next Great Depression: Simple and Inexpensive Recipes for Hard Economic Times

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I was going to be publishing a series of posts on preparing for the next Great Depression. There are many intelligent and well-informed people who believe we are heading for a certain economic collapse. The combination of adding trillions to the national debt, increasing global conflict, threats to supply chains, continued inflation, and governmental policies that place a stranglehold on business present a combination that has us set for economic demise.

But hey – maybe it will all work out, right?

As we face uncertain times with the looming threat of not just a recession, but, the next Great Depression, it’s important to be prepared with practical solutions to potential economic hardships. One of the biggest concerns is the cost of food, which can take up a significant portion of a family’s budget. In this post, we’ll review some simple and inexpensive recipes to save money while still enjoying delicious meals.

Homemade Bread

Making your own bread is a great way to save money and is surprisingly easy to do. You only need a few ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. Bread machines make the process even simpler, but you can also make it by hand as well. The ingredients should be present in any decent food storage system.  Freshly baked bread is not only tasty, but it also fills your home with an aroma that will lift your spirits

Recipe #1: No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Ingredients:

• • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
   2. Add the warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
   3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer the dough rests, the more flavorful the bread will be.
   4. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven with a lid in the oven to heat up for at least 30 minutes.
   5. Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round ball. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest while the Dutch oven heats up.
   6. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough inside. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and return it to the oven.
   7. Bake the bread for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
   8. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Recipe #2: Homemade Loaf Bread – A Simple and Delicious Recipe

The aroma of this fresh bread cooking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious bread recipe, look no further than this homemade loaf bread. With a handful of basic ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a loaf of bread that is soft, fluffy, and cheaper than similar products in the grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the melted butter and lukewarm water.
3. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms. Ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Continuously fold, push, and turn the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
7. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it tightly. Ensure the seam is sealed.
8. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it with the kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise further enhances the bread’s texture and flavor.
9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.
10. Once the dough has completed its second rise, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The crust should be crisp while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period allows the bread to set and develop its final texture.

Both of these simple bread recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for anyone looking to bake bread with budget-friendly ingredients. In preparation for the next Great Depression storing the ingredients to make these types of recipes in large quantities will have you weathering the storm in a much better position than most others.

Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a classic staple that are both filling and nutritious. They are also very cheap and easy to make. You can cook rice and beans together, or you can cook them separately and mix them together. Add some spices and vegetables to give it some flavor and you have a complete meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Easy Rice and Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.
   2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
   3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
   4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
   5. Stir in the black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.
   6. Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste.
   7. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve it in bowls topped with the seasoned black beans.

This easy rice and beans recipe is not only simple and budget-friendly, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables. Enjoy!

Homemade Soups

Soups are an excellent way to stretch your food budget. They are easy to make, can be made in large batches, and are perfect for using up leftover ingredients. Vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, and chili are all great options that can be customized to your liking. You can also freeze leftover soup for an easy meal on a busy day.

Here are two delicious and budget-friendly soup recipes that can be made with canned pantry staples:

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can green beans, drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
   2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
   3. Add the diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, drained garbanzo beans, drained green beans, drained corn, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
   4. Add the dried basil and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   6. Serve the soup hot with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired.

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 can chicken, drained
  • 1 can diced potatoes, drained
  • 1 can green beans, drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
   2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
   3. Add the drained chicken, drained potatoes, drained green beans, drained corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
   4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   6. Stir in the milk or heavy cream and heat the soup until it is warmed through.
   7. Serve the soup hot with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired.

These two simple and delicious soup recipes are perfect for components of a food storage program.  Creativity with foods from what you’ve stacked to the rafters can make a big difference in maintaining and improving morale.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is another inexpensive ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Spaghetti is a common meal that many Americans eat on a regular basis. Growing up Wednesday nights was spaghetti night. YUM!!  You can make your own pasta sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, and spices.

Spaghetti with Seasoned Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 can of meat (such as canned beef or sausage)
  • 1 jar or can of spaghetti sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until done. Drain and set aside.
   2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the canned meat and cook until heated through.
   3. Add the spaghetti sauce to the saucepan and stir to combine with the meat. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
   4. Add the garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   5. Serve the seasoned sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Optional: You can also add additional canned vegetables such as canned tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce to add extra flavor and nutrients. Simply add them to the saucepan along with the canned meat and continue with the recipe as written. Also – if you are canning the sauce and prefer to leave the meat out simply skip adding it.

This simple and budget-friendly spaghetti with seasoned sauce recipe is a great way to make a delicious meal using your canned food storage staples. The canned meat adds protein and the blend of spices adds fantastic flavor to the sauce. After a hard day at work at the factory, on the homestead, or watching over an area from the LPOP this will be a delicious and fulfilling meal.

One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals are a great option for families on a budget and offer up some great leftovers for the next day for lunch. When we are in the midst of the next Great Depression nutritious and tasty meals made inexpensively will be critical. Some simple examples include stir-fry, casseroles, and stews. You can customize them based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Canned Meat and Vegetable One-Pot Meal Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1 can of canned meat (beef, chicken, or ham)
  • 1 can of mixed vegetables
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 can of tomato sauce
  • 1 can of chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   2. Add the canned meat and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   3. Add the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot and stir well.
   4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir until well combined.
   5. Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir.
   6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
   8. Serve hot and enjoy your easy and budget-friendly one-pot meal.

This recipe can be made from foods from a good food storage program. If you haven’t started putting back canned foods and dry staples – start now and be ready.

Homemade Pizza

Pizza is a family favorite that can be expensive when ordering out. However, making your own pizza at home is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy this classic meal. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own using flour, yeast, salt, and water. Add your favorite toppings and bake in the oven for a delicious meal that everyone will love. In the midst of severe economic struggles, it will pay off to have put back a variety of foods – including some cheese in the freezer for homemade pizza.

Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a “shaggy” dough forms.
   3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
   5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
   6. Roll each portion out on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
   7. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
   8. Brush the crust with olive oil.
   9. Add your desired toppings and bake the pizza.

Enjoy your homemade pizza with freshly made pizza dough!

Homemade Cheese Pizza Recipe with Flavorful Spices

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for brushing

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
   2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
   3. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
   4. Brush the crust with olive oil.
   5. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
   6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   7. In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   8. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cheese.
   9. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   10. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade cheese pizza with flavorful spices!

Preparing simple and inexpensive meals from your food storage is a great way to save money during uncertain times – including times of high inflation as well as shortages. These recipes are easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. Creating a food storage program in preparation for the next Great Depression will allow the ability to feed you and yours for months and years to come.

Take care all –

Rourke