I recently got my hands on a bunch of old recipes from my great grandpa, thanks to my mamaw. They’re full of simple, hearty meals that he used to make for the family. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just good, solid cooking. It’s like getting a taste of his everyday life and the food that made our family gatherings special.
Breakfast Rutabaga Rosti
The Breakfast Rutabaga Rosti is a twist on a classic Swiss dish, taking about 30 minutes to prepare. Grated rutabaga, eggs, and onions form the base, creating a savory pancake that’s golden and crispy on the outside. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, a delightful departure from traditional potato rosti. My mamaw would recount how great grandpa appreciated its hearty texture during brisk mornings.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Rutabaga Rosti
Hearty tomato mushroom stew
With a simmering time of about 45 minutes, the Hearty Tomato Mushroom Stew is a robust dish. Tomatoes and a variety of mushrooms are the stars here, simmering with herbs to create a rich, umami-packed stew. It’s a comforting bowl that tastes like it’s been handed down through generations. Mamaw always said it was great grandpa’s go-to recipe for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hearty tomato mushroom stew
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Quick-pickled Russian Sauerkraut takes just about 10 minutes of active prep and a few days to ferment. Cabbage, carrots, and apples are laced with garlic and spices, yielding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. This sauerkraut is a crunchy, zesty condiment, perfect for adding a kick to any meal. Mamaw shared that great grandpa loved the vibrant taste it brought to the table.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles
Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles are a unique, flavorful treat that can be ready in about an hour. Butternut squash is infused with aromatic Middle Eastern spices, resulting in a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile. These pickles offer a delightful crunch and a burst of warm spices. Great grandpa’s recipe was a favorite of Mamaw’s for its surprising twist on pickling.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles
Cheese fried bread
Cheese Fried Bread, known as ‘grenki’, is a simple recipe that takes about 20 minutes to make. It involves dipping bread in a savory egg mixture, then frying it with a generous layer of cheese until golden brown. The result is a crispy, cheesy delight with a soft center, a flavor that Mamaw says was a beloved snack of great grandpa’s. It’s a comforting dish that’s both familiar and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cheese fried bread
Spicy garlic dill pickles
Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles are a fiery take on a classic, ready in about a week. Cucumbers, garlic, and dill are the main ingredients, and they pack a punch with added chili for heat. These pickles have a crisp texture with a garlicky, spicy kick that great grandpa was particularly fond of. Mamaw would often reminisce about how these pickles livened up their meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy garlic dill pickles
Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe
The Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe is a timeless dish that takes several hours to simmer to perfection. It’s made with chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs, resulting in a clear, soothing broth. This soup has a comforting, home-cooked taste that Mamaw says was a staple in great grandpa’s kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe
Mexican Quick Pickles
Mexican Quick Pickles are a vibrant addition to any meal, ready in about 15 minutes plus marinating time. Vegetables like carrots, jalapeños, and onions are pickled with Mexican spices, creating a crunchy, spicy condiment. The taste is both tangy and fiery, a combination that great grandpa enjoyed for its bold flavors. Mamaw often used these to add zest to their family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Quick Pickles
Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup
Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup is a hearty dish that can be made in about an hour. It combines sauerkraut with potatoes, sausage, and cream for a rich, tangy soup. The flavors are deep and complex, a testament to great grandpa’s love for bold, satisfying meals. Mamaw would share stories of how this soup was a cherished winter warmer.
Get the Recipe: Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup
Mustard garlic scape pickles
Mustard Garlic Scape Pickles require a week to fully develop their flavors. Garlic scapes are pickled with mustard seeds and vinegar, resulting in a tangy, mildly spicy snack. These pickles have a unique, garlicky taste that Mamaw says great grandpa would savor. They’re perfect for adding a zesty twist to any platter.
Get the Recipe: Mustard garlic scape pickles
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Russian Vinaigrette Salad, also known as Root Vegetable Salad, is a dish that’s ready in about 40 minutes. It features beets, potatoes, carrots, and sauerkraut dressed in a light vinaigrette. The salad has a sweet and sour taste profile that Mamaw mentions was a colorful favorite of great grandpa’s. It’s a refreshing side that complements any hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Homemade kosher dill pickles
Homemade Kosher Dill Pickles take about a week to ferment, resulting in a classic flavor. Cucumbers, dill, and garlic are the key ingredients, creating a crunchy and flavorful pickle. They have a distinct dill taste with a garlicky aroma that Mamaw recalls great grandpa couldn’t resist. These pickles are a staple in any traditional pantry.
Get the Recipe: Homemade kosher dill pickles
easy lacto-fermented whey pickles
Easy Lacto-fermented Whey Pickles are a probiotic-rich snack that’s ready in about a week. Using whey, cucumbers, and spices, these pickles have a unique, slightly tangy flavor. They boast a signature crunch and are a healthy addition to any meal. Mamaw would tell me how great grandpa valued their digestive benefits and great taste.
Get the Recipe: easy lacto-fermented whey pickles