U.S. Senate Bean Soup
U.S. Senate Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender navy beans, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and herbal notes that warm the soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the navy beans, cover with cold water, and soak overnight. Drain the beans.
- Place the soaked beans, ham bones with some meat, and water (3 quarts) in a heavy kettle. Simmer for 2 hours.
- Add mashed potatoes, chopped onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the kettle.
- Simmer the mixture for an additional hour or until the beans are soft and tender.
- Remove the ham bone from the soup. Cut off the meat, chop it coarsely, and return it to the soup.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking. If you don't have navy beans, great northern beans can be a good substitute. For added depth of flavor, try incorporating a bay leaf or a dash of smoked paprika during simmering. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread like Hot Mustard-Cheese Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Senate Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Poppy Seed Ham Sandwiches or Party Ham Sandwiches to complement the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of U.S. Senate Bean Soup contains roughly 455 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1155mg per serving (50% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham bones and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If the soup is too thin for your liking, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken it. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or more mashed potatoes to achieve the desired consistency.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Smoked ham hocks or bone-in ham with some meat attached work best for flavor. The smokiness adds depth, but you can also use leftover ham from a holiday meal. Just ensure there's enough meat to impart flavor to the soup.
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).