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
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
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
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
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
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
Dice Beef
Remove the beef, let it rest briefly, then dice into the smallest possible cubes (about 1‑2 mm).
Time: PT3M
Press Beef Layer
Spread the diced beef over the pressed cabbage in the mold and press down firmly to remove air.
Time: PT2M
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
Press Onion Layer
After drying, place the onion sheet onto the beef layer and press firmly.
Time: PT2M
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
Press Carrot Layer
Spread the cooked carrots as the top layer in the mold and press flat and even.
Time: PT2M
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
Strain Broth
Remove solids and run the hot concentrate through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container.
Time: PT2M
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
Freeze Block
Place the entire mold in the freezer for exactly 2 hours until solid.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 0°F (‑18°C)
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
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
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








