The Forgotten 1939 Survival Cubes. Make Once, Eat for 2 Years.

The Forgotten 1939 Survival Cubes. Make Once, Eat for 2 Years. is a medium Survival recipe that serves 8. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Survival Kitchen 1930 on YouTube.

Prep: 34 min | Cook: 7 hrs 55 min | Total: 8 hrs 59 min

Cost: $12.10 total, $1.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, divided for cabbage and carrots)
  • 1.5 lb Green Cabbage (shredded thinly)
  • 1 tsp Black Peppercorns (whole, toasted)
  • 3 pcs Garlic Cloves (crushed)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, divided for beef and carrots)
  • 1 lb Beef Top Round (cut into thick slice then diced very small)
  • 1 large Onion (quartered then blended to a smooth puree)
  • 2 pcs Carrots (medium, grated)
  • 1 lb Chicken Bones with Marrow (cracked or cut open to release marrow quickly)
  • 6 pcs Chicken Feet (cleaned, inexpensive source of gelatin)
  • 1 tsp Salt (optional, for seasoning)
  • 2 L Water (for broth reduction)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Cabbage

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high, add olive oil, then add shredded cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown (about 12‑15 minutes). Add a splash of water midway to prevent burning and help soften slightly.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  2. Pulse Cabbage

    Transfer the cooked cabbage to a blender or food processor and pulse until the pieces are small but still distinct, not a paste.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Press Cabbage Layer

    Place parchment paper in the bottom of the mold, spoon the cabbage in, and press firmly with a spoon or your hand to eliminate air pockets.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make Spiced Butter

    In the same skillet, melt butter, add whole peppercorns and crushed garlic, and toast for about 3 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Sear Beef

    Add the beef slice to the hot butter, sear 2 minutes per side for a crust, then lower heat, cover, and simmer in its own juices for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT19M

    Temperature: high then low heat

  6. Dice Beef

    Remove the beef, let it rest briefly, then dice into the smallest possible cubes (about 1‑2 mm).

    Time: PT3M

  7. Press Beef Layer

    Spread the diced beef over the pressed cabbage in the mold and press down firmly to remove air.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Prepare Onion Puree

    Quarter the onion, blend to a smooth liquid, spread thinly on parchment, and bake at 100‑120°F (38‑49°C) with the oven door cracked for 3 hours to dry out moisture.

    Time: PT3H

    Temperature: 100‑120°F

  9. Press Onion Layer

    After drying, place the onion sheet onto the beef layer and press firmly.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Cook Carrots

    Grate carrots, then sauté in olive oil and butter in the skillet until golden caramelized (about 8 minutes).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium heat

  11. Press Carrot Layer

    Spread the cooked carrots as the top layer in the mold and press flat and even.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Make Gelatin‑Rich Bone Broth

    Crack chicken bones and add chicken feet to a large pot with water. Bring to a rapid boil, then simmer aggressively, reducing until almost all liquid evaporates and a thick golden concentrate remains (about 2 hours).

    Time: PT2H10M

    Temperature: high boil then aggressive simmer

  13. Strain Broth

    Remove solids and run the hot concentrate through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container.

    Time: PT2M

  14. Add Broth to Mold

    Slowly pour the warm gelatin concentrate over the layered ingredients, allowing it to seep into every crack.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: warm

  15. Freeze Block

    Place the entire mold in the freezer for exactly 2 hours until solid.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 0°F (‑18°C)

  16. Cut Into Cubes

    Remove the frozen block, quickly cut into individual cubes (~2 in × 1 ¼ in). Work fast before the outer layer softens.

    Time: PT5M

  17. Package Cubes

    Wrap each cube first in parchment paper, then in a tight layer of aluminum foil to create a double barrier against moisture, light, and odors.

    Time: PT5M

  18. Rehydrate (Optional)

    To eat, peel foil and parchment, place a cube in a bowl, and pour boiling water over it until just covered. Wait 30 seconds; the cube will melt into a rich soup.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: boiling water

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb, Paleo-Friendly

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: May 23, 2026

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The Forgotten 1939 Survival Cubes. Make Once, Eat for 2 Years.

Recipe by Survival Kitchen 1930

A compact, nutrient‑dense survival food block that combines caramelized cabbage, seared beef, dehydrated onion puree, sweet carrot, and a gelatin‑rich chicken bone broth. Freeze‑set for two hours, wrap in parchment and foil, and you have a shelf‑stable cube that rehydrates in 30 seconds of hot water – perfect for long‑term emergency storage.

MediumSurvivalServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 26m
Prep
5h 56m
Cook
1h
Cleanup
9h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.10
Total cost
$1.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Press each layer tightly to eliminate air pockets
  • Crack chicken bones before boiling to release marrow quickly
  • Reduce bone broth to a thick gelatinous concentrate
  • Freeze exactly 2 hours before cutting
  • Wrap cubes in parchment then foil for long‑term preservation

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns – handle skillet with oven mitts
  • Boiling broth reduction can splatter – keep lid partially covered
  • Sharp knives required for dicing beef and cutting frozen block
  • Freezer burns can occur if cubes are left uncovered

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the 1939 Survival Ration Cube in American prepper cuisine?

A

The 1939 Survival Ration Cube originates from early 20th‑century emergency food strategies developed during the Great Depression and World War II. It embodies the era’s focus on compact, long‑lasting nutrition using readily available ingredients and minimal waste, a philosophy still embraced by modern prepper communities.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of survival food blocks in American emergency food culture?

A

In the United States, regional variations often replace cabbage with kale in the Midwest, use pork shoulder instead of beef in the South, or add dried beans in the Southwest. The core concept—layered, gelatin‑bound, freeze‑set meals—remains consistent across regions.

cultural
Q

How is the 1939 Survival Ration Cube traditionally served in American prepper gatherings?

A

The cube is typically unwrapped, placed in a bowl, and covered with boiling water for about 30 seconds. The resulting broth‑rich soup is eaten directly from the bowl, providing a hot, comforting meal during power outages or field camps.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the 1939 Survival Ration Cube associated with in American prepper culture?

A

While not a celebratory dish, it is a staple during emergency drills, storm preparations, and community survival workshops, symbolizing self‑reliance and preparedness.

cultural
Q

What makes the 1939 Survival Ration Cube special or unique in American survival cuisine?

A

Its layered construction, use of gelatin from chicken feet and bones, and the ability to rehydrate into a full‑flavored soup in 30 seconds set it apart from powdered bouillon or canned meals, offering real texture and nutrients.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the 1939 Survival Ration Cube?

A

Common errors include under‑pressing layers (causing air pockets), reducing the bone broth insufficiently (resulting in a weak binder), and over‑freezing the block (making it brittle and hard to cut). Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this 1939 Survival Ration Cube recipe use a low‑temperature oven for the onion layer instead of dehydrating it at a higher heat?

A

Low‑temperature drying preserves the onion’s natural preservatives and prevents caramelization, which could alter the flavor balance and affect the gelatin’s ability to bind the layers uniformly.

technical
Q

Can I make the 1939 Survival Ration Cube ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble and freeze the block, then wrap each cube in parchment and foil. Store in a deep freezer; the cubes remain safe for up to two years. For short‑term use, keep wrapped cubes in the refrigerator for up to one week.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the 1939 Survival Ration Cube is done?

A

The block should be solid, with clearly defined layers—golden cabbage at the bottom, dark brown beef, pale onion sheet, and orange carrot on top. Each layer should be compact with no visible gaps.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Survival Kitchen 1930 specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Survival Kitchen 1930 specializes in practical, historically inspired survival food recipes, focusing on long‑term storage, minimal equipment, and nutrient‑dense meals for emergency preparedness.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Survival Kitchen 1930's approach to American prepper cooking differ from other survival cooking channels?

A

Survival Kitchen 1930 emphasizes authentic, period‑specific techniques—like using bone gelatin and low‑temp drying—while many other channels rely on modern freeze‑dry or dehydrator methods. The channel blends historical knowledge with modern food safety practices.

channel

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