What is the primary historical function of Eintopf meals like Linseneintopf?

Answer

To be economical, stretch ingredients, and feed many people efficiently

Eintopf, the general term for a hearty, thick stew, dominates the category of Hausmannskost or home cooking in Germany, representing a practical side of the cuisine often overshadowed by meat-centric meals. Historically, these one-pot meals, such as lentil stew (Linseneintopf) or bean stew, were designed explicitly around resourcefulness. They allowed families to stretch minimal ingredients across multiple servings, ensuring that many people could be fed with minimal effort following the initial preparation phase.

What is the primary historical function of Eintopf meals like Linseneintopf?
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