Washington Favorite Senate Bean Soup
A hearty and comforting bean soup featuring tender Great Northern beans, a savory ham bone, and aromatic vegetables. This dish offers rich flavors and thick texture, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Its smoky, savory taste appeals to lovers of classic American comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the beans in a large pot and add 2 or more quarts of water to soak overnight.
- Next day, drain the beans and add more water to cover them.
- Add the ham bone to the beans and water, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove the ham bone from the pot, chop the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Add the diced onion, diced potato, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ensure there is enough water and cook for another hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the Great Northern beans overnight to ensure even cooking and tenderness. If you don’t have a ham bone, smoked turkey or bacon can be excellent substitutes for added flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaf for extra depth. This soup can also be enhanced with a touch of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Senate Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pepper for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a hearty dish like Garlic Pork Roast or Sweet And Sour Cabbage for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Washington Favorite Senate Bean Soup contains roughly 403 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (27% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, using dried Great Northern beans is ideal for this recipe. Just soak them overnight before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. If you choose canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly as they are already cooked.
What can I use instead of a ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, smoked turkey legs or diced bacon can be great alternatives that still provide that smoky flavor. Adding a bit of liquid smoke can also mimic the taste of ham.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, adding a diced potato will also help to thicken the consistency naturally.
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).