Generational recipes are a treasure trove of memories and flavors that have been passed down through families for years. These recipes often hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the loved ones who created them and the moments shared around the dinner table. While many of these recipes are elaborate and time-consuming, some are surprisingly simple yet delicious, like my grandmother’s three-ingredient dinner.
Growing up on a farm with eight hungry kids to feed, my grandmother often turned to budget-friendly meals that could be whipped up quickly with minimal ingredients. One such recipe that has stood the test of time is a combination of egg noodles, canned tomato soup, and bacon. While it may sound like an odd pairing, the flavors come together beautifully to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
The original recipe included a diced onion, but my brother and I were not fans of onions, so my mother omitted it when she made the dish. My grandmother would fry the bacon in a cast iron skillet, cook the onions in the bacon grease, and then add the tomato soup and water to create a flavorful sauce. The mixture would then be poured over cooked egg noodles, creating a simple yet delicious meal.
Today, I stick to the three-ingredient version of the recipe, skipping the diced onions and opting to cook the bacon in the oven for a cleaner and easier process. Once the bacon is cooked and chopped, I add it to a pot of prepared tomato soup to create a rich and savory sauce. The mixture is then poured over a bed of cooked egg noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for those days when you need a quick and easy meal.
While the combination of ingredients may seem unconventional, the flavors meld together beautifully to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious. It’s a great option for those days when you’re short on time or ingredients and need a meal that can be thrown together in a pinch. So next time you’re looking for a simple and satisfying dinner option, don’t hesitate to give my grandmother’s three-ingredient recipe a try—you might just be surprised by how much you love it.
