Senate Bean Soup(1872)
Senate Bean Soup is a hearty, savory dish featuring tender navy beans, smoked pork, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak beans in water to cover overnight. Drain.
- Add the soaked beans, water, ham bone, smoked pork, celery salt, and minced onion to a pot. Cook until the beans are very soft.
- Remove the ham bone and pork from the pot. Dice the meat.
- Press the remaining bean mixture through a coarse colander or mash thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
- Combine the mashed beans with the diced meat. Add dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bay leaf while cooking. If you don't have dry navy beans, you can substitute with canned beans; just reduce the cooking time. Using leftover ham from other pork recipes can enhance the dish's taste, making it even more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Totts Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Senate Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Senate Bean Soup(1872) contains roughly 256 calories, with 25g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% 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 other types of beans for Senate Bean Soup?
Yes, while navy beans are traditional, you can substitute with great northern or cannellini beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of bean you choose.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Senate Bean Soup, omit the ham bone and smoked pork. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. You can also enhance it with additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery.
What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham can be diced and added to various dishes. It's perfect in pasta salads, omelets, or even in Pork Chop Jambalaya. You can also freeze small portions to use later in soups or casseroles.
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).