The Decade That Wasn't Afraid To Experiment
The 1970s produced some questionable food trends, but it also gave us plenty of hearty, comforting entrees that deserve another look. Home cooks embraced convenience, restaurants experimented with international flavors, and family dinners often centered around filling dishes designed to feed a crowd. While some recipes have faded from modern menus, many still offer the kind of satisfying comfort food that people continue to enjoy today. Here are 20 entrees from the '70s we need to bring back.
1. Chicken Kiev
This dish featured breaded chicken wrapped around a center of seasoned garlic butter. When cooked properly, the butter melted inside and created a rich sauce with every bite. Its dramatic presentation and comforting flavor made it a favorite in homes and restaurants alike.
2. Salisbury Steak
Ground beef patties served with savory brown gravy were a staple of family dinners throughout the decade. The dish was affordable, filling, and easy to prepare for large households. A modern version made with higher-quality ingredients could easily find an audience today.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful peppers filled with seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables appeared on countless dinner tables. The combination offered a complete meal in a single serving. Its balance of flavor and practicality makes it just as appealing now as it was then.
4. Swiss Steak
This slow-cooked beef dish relied on tenderizing tougher cuts of meat and simmering them in a tomato-based sauce. The long cooking time produced rich flavors and fork-tender results. It's the kind of comforting meal that fits perfectly with today's renewed interest in classic cooking.
5. Chicken à la King
Creamy sauce, vegetables, and chunks of chicken combined to create a satisfying entrée often served over toast, rice, or pastry shells. The dish was versatile enough for both casual meals and special occasions. Its comforting flavors remain timeless.
6. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Although sometimes mocked today, a well-made version can be surprisingly delicious. The combination of noodles, tuna, vegetables, and a creamy sauce created an inexpensive and filling family meal. Updated ingredients could easily give this classic a fresh reputation.
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7. Beef Stroganoff
Tender strips of beef served in a sour cream-based sauce became extremely popular during the decade. The dish offered a rich, satisfying alternative to more traditional American meals. Its combination of comfort and elegance still holds up remarkably well.
8. Pork Chops With Applesauce
This pairing became a familiar sight on dinner tables across North America. The sweetness of the applesauce complemented the savory flavor of the pork without overpowering it. Sometimes simple combinations endure because they work so well.
9. Turkey Tetrazzini
This baked pasta dish made excellent use of leftover turkey while delivering plenty of flavor. Creamy sauce, mushrooms, and noodles created a comforting combination that appealed to large families. It's an ideal candidate for a modern revival.
10. Veal Parmesan
Breaded veal topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese was a restaurant favorite throughout the decade. The dish combined familiar Italian-American flavors with a satisfying presentation. Variations using other proteins remain popular, proving the formula still works.
11. Shepherd's Pie
Layers of seasoned meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes offered comfort in every bite. While the dish never disappeared entirely, it was especially common during the 1970s. Its hearty nature fits perfectly with today's appreciation for classic comfort food.
12. Chicken Divan
Chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy sauce became a popular casserole for both family meals and entertaining guests. The combination felt slightly sophisticated while remaining easy to prepare. It deserves more attention than it receives today.
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13. Ham Steak With Pineapple
A thick slice of ham paired with pineapple rings provided a sweet-and-savory meal that was easy to prepare. The tropical influence reflected the decade's interest in bold flavor combinations. The dish still offers plenty of nostalgic appeal.
14. Shrimp Newburg
This rich seafood entrée featured shrimp in a creamy sauce flavored with butter and egg yolks. It was often served at dinner parties and special occasions. The luxurious flavor profile would fit comfortably into many modern restaurant menus.
15. Liver and Onions
Though it's become less common, this dish was once a regular part of home cooking. Many people appreciated its rich flavor and nutritional value. Prepared properly, it offers a depth of taste that's difficult to find in other entrées.
16. Chicken Cacciatore
This Italian-inspired dish simmers chicken with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. The slow-cooked flavors created a satisfying meal that felt both rustic and comforting. It remains an excellent example of simple ingredients working together beautifully.
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17. Pepper Steak
Thin slices of beef cooked with bell peppers and a savory sauce became a popular weeknight dinner. The dish offered bold flavor without requiring complicated preparation. Its versatility makes it just as practical today.
18. Seafood Newburg
Lobster, shrimp, or other seafood combined with a rich cream sauce created an elegant entrée for special occasions. The dish showcased the decade's love of indulgent dining. It remains a memorable choice for anyone who enjoys classic seafood preparations.
19. Cornish Hens
These small birds were often served at dinner parties because they looked impressive while remaining relatively easy to prepare. Their individual portions added a sense of occasion to the meal. Bringing them back could make home entertaining feel a little more special.
20. Chicken Marbella
Although it gained wider recognition in the early 1980s, the flavor combinations that inspired it were already becoming popular during the late 1970s. The mix of chicken, olives, garlic, and dried fruit created a memorable sweet-and-savory balance. Its continued popularity proves that some retro dishes never truly go out of style.
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