Ah, the 1970s—a glorious decade when avocado green was considered a color, polyester reigned supreme, and the airwaves were filled with disco. But let’s not dwell on the past too long; we’re here to talk about the culinary phenomena that have made a riveting comeback—classic recipes. Yes, those dishes that once graced the tables of Baby Boomers are now trending on Reddit, as younger generations scour the internet for cheap, filling, and comforting meals. Thank you, nostalgia!
According to JSTOR (and who doesn’t trust a scholarly source?), it was none other than Liza Minnelli who introduced the term “comfort food” in 1970. She candidly explained to food columnist Johna Blinn that comfort food is anything that makes you go “yum, yum, yum.” So put down your kale smoothie; it’s time to revisit the culinary masterpieces of yesteryear!
Why dive into the culinary past, you ask? Well, meals from the ’70s are not just drip-fed nostalgia but also fabulously budget-friendly. Brace yourselves as we unearth some of these delightful recipes from the depths of Reddit, guaranteed to fill you up without emptying your wallet—because, let’s face it, we can’t afford to splurge when avocado toast costs a small fortune!
Tuna Casserole
“I literally made a tuna casserole last night & ate the leftovers for lunch today.” – Disastrous-Soup-5413. Yes, when the only thing between you and a hot meal is a can opener, your culinary creativity can flourish. Who needs culinary school when you have abandoned cans of tuna in your pantry?
Turkey (or Chicken) Tetrazzini
“Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish with turkey (or chicken), mushrooms, and cheese.” – Disastrous-Soup-5413. Behold! A recipe that combines the elegance of Italian cuisine with the versatility of leftovers. If it’s creamy and carb-loading, it’s practically a meal plan.
Liver and Onions
“Liver and onions, mashed potatoes, and a green salad made with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes cut in wedges, cucumber slices, and Miracle Whip dressing.” – Kaktusblute. Nothing screams ‘70s like a dish that sounds more like a dare than a dinner option. And let’s just say, your taste buds will either treasure this dish or send you immediately to therapy.
Quiche Lorraine
“A family favorite from the 1970s. The secret? Half a cup of mayonnaise and an unreasonable quantity of cheese.” – banoctopus. Because if you’re going to indulge, you might as well make the arteries work for that celebration! This dish is the poster child for why dietitians might need therapy, too.
Cheese Fondue
“For fondue, you can go in a few different directions. Cubed crusty bread is classic, but you can also dip fruits, vegetables, or whatever else won’t disintegrate.” – Bluecat72. And there you have it—an elaborate excuse to eat melted cheese and call it dinner. Just remember: if it’s not dripping cheese, you’re doing it wrong.
Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes
“A basic meatloaf is ground beef, minced onions, and whatever else you can find. Don’t forget to squirt some ketchup for moisture.” – yblame. Because nothing says ‘culinary delight’ quite like squishing raw meat into a loaf! And don’t worry, the ketchup counts as a vegetable if you squint hard enough.
Pork Chops with Rice and Cream of Mushroom Soup
“Brown the chops, pour in rice, soup, and water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, and voilà—dinner is served!” – hicjacket. Using canned soup to elevate your culinary skills is a move nobody saw coming. Who said you need a Michelin star for this kind of magic?
