Description
Senate Bean Soup is a historic, hearty bean soup made with tender navy beans, smoky ham, and simple seasonings, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Beans & Meat
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1 ham hock or 1½ cups diced ham
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 6 cups water or broth
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Drain the Beans: After soaking the navy beans overnight, drain and rinse them thoroughly to prepare for cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the drained beans, ham hock or diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and 6 cups of water or broth.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until the beans become tender and flavorful.
- Season and Enrich: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for richness, and season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Shred the Ham: Remove the ham hock bone from the pot, shred any meat clinging to it, and return the shredded ham to the soup for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- The flavor of Senate Bean Soup improves significantly if allowed to chill overnight and reheated before serving.
- Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Use broth instead of water for a richer taste.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ overnight soaking time)
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
