United States Senate Restaurant Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with smoked ham hock and tender navy beans, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the navy beans thoroughly.
- In a large pot, combine the beans, hot water, and smoked ham hock.
- Bring to a boil and cook slowly for approximately 3 hours.
- Braise chopped onion in a little butter until light brown.
- Add the sautéed onion to the bean soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some diced carrots and celery alongside the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the smoked ham hock with a smoked paprika for that earthy flavor. Soaking the navy beans overnight can reduce cooking time, but it's not mandatory. Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bean soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a hearty twist, add some sautéed greens or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is also fantastic alongside American recipes like cornbread or even a side of Light And Fluffy Pancakes for a unique brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Let the bean soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of United States Senate Restaurant Bean Soup contains roughly 400 calories, with 10g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 this soup?
Yes, while navy beans are traditional, you can substitute with other beans like great northern or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of bean used.
How do I know when the beans are fully cooked?
The beans should be tender but not mushy. You can test this by taking a few out and tasting them; they should have a creamy texture inside. If they are still hard, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper while simmering. Adjust the spice level to your preference, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
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).