Hoover Stew

The great A Coalcracker In The Kitchen website has a good introduction to this dish and a recipe. We called this "slum stew" when I was a kid. You can't go wrong with this, and it saves money.

You're going to need:

* 1 (16 ounce) box of elbow macaroni. A Coal Cracker In The Kitchen reminds us that you can use any mix of pastas that will cook in approximately the same time like shells, rotini, etc.)
* 2 (16 ounce) cans of stewed tomatoes. We get a reminder from The Coal Cracker In The Kitchen that whole tomatoes can be used
* 1 (16 ounce) package of hot dogs
* 1 (16 ounce) can of corn

You can add a can of beans, tomato paste, and other suitable ingredients that you like, but remember to adjust quantities for taste and add water or use the water you're cooking your macaroni or pasta in. Most any kinds of beans will work.

Cook your macaroni according to the instructions on the box. Slice your hot dogs into thin slices. Don't drain your tomatoes and corn. Combine everything in your cans and your hot dog slices in a large pot, cover, and let everything simmer. Stir and break up the tomatoes as it cooks.

Drain your macaroni just before it is almost done. Hold on to your cooking water for the stew if needed.

Add the macaroni and continue simmering. You want everything well mixed together and hot. I have used salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cheap wine for flavoring it up.