Congressional Bean Soup
Hearty Congressional Bean Soup features tender white beans cooked with ham and fresh vegetables, offering a comforting, savory flavor perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the dried small white beans in water.
- Boil gently for 2 minutes; turn off heat and let stand for 1 hour.
- Add remaining ingredients: water, ham bone or diced cooked ham, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook until the beans are very soft.
- Remove the bay leaf and ham bone.
- Cut the meat off the ham bone and return the meat to the beans.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider soaking the beans overnight to reduce cooking time. If you don’t have a ham bone, smoked turkey wings can be a great substitute for that smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a dash of liquid smoke. This soup also pairs beautifully with Ann'S Broccoli Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For added texture, consider a side of easy-to-make Denver Pitas, which can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, then warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Congressional Bean Soup contains roughly 304 calories, with 18g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned small white beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial boiling steps. Add the canned beans along with the other ingredients and simmer until heated through.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to adjust the seasoning as needed since additional liquid can dilute the flavors.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider including a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice it up individually.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).