That sounds like one of those old-school survival recipes—simple, cheap, but surprisingly delicious. Those “3-ingredient” dishes were staples during hard times because they were filling and easy to make.
A classic that matches your description is something like:
🥔 Rustic 3-Ingredient Potato & Onion Skillet
🛒 Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Oil or butter
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Slice everything
Thinly slice potatoes and onions. - Heat the pan
Add oil or butter to a skillet over medium heat. - Cook low & slow
Add potatoes first, cook until they start softening.
Then add onions and cook together, stirring occasionally. - Let it crisp
Press it down slightly and let parts get golden and crispy.
🍽️ Why it’s so good
- The onions caramelize and turn sweet
- The potatoes become crispy outside, soft inside
- The aroma fills the whole house—just like you described
💡 Other 3-ingredient classics it could be:
- Bread + milk + sugar (simple pudding)
- Beans + salt pork + water
- Pasta + butter + cheese
These recipes were born out of necessity, but many people still make them today because they’re comforting, nostalgic, and genuinely tasty.
If you remember anything else about the dish (meat? baked or fried? thick or soupy?), I can help you pinpoint the exact recipe your grandfather might have eaten 😊