The Not-Quite Senate Bean Soup recipe you’re interested in is a hearty dish inspired by the traditional soup served in the U.S. Senate cafeteria, with some personal adaptations. This version is designed to be a satisfying one-dish meal, perfect for lunches or snacks, and it freezes well for convenience.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Not-Quite Senate Bean Soup
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Description: Based on the U.S. Senate cafeteria soup but modified for personal taste, this soup pairs wonderfully with dark bread. It’s freezer-friendly, making it easy to store leftovers.
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Ham, Pork, Potato, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Weeknight, Freezer, Stove Top
- Aggregated Rating: 3 stars
- Review Count: 1 review
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 41.4
- Fat Content: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.9mg
- Sodium Content: 524.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 8.9g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 1.1g
- Protein Content: 1g
- Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 ham bone (for flavor)
- 12 cups cooked navy beans (prepared according to package instructions)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat beans and water to boiling and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
- Add ham bone and heat to boiling.
- Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.
- Stir in mashed potatoes, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour more.
- Remove ham bone from soup and trim meat from bone.
- Cut meat into small chunks, discard fat and bone, and stir the ham back into the soup.
This recipe’s method ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully over the slow cooking process, resulting in a rich and comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual lunches. The addition of mashed potatoes adds a creamy texture and extra heartiness, making it a substantial meal on its own.
For those looking to prepare ahead or manage leftovers, the soup’s ability to freeze well ensures you can enjoy it over multiple meals without sacrificing taste or quality. Pair it with a crusty dark bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
