The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup Recipe
Description
Whatever uncertainties may exist in the Senate of the United States, one thing is sure: Bean Soup is on the menu of the Senate Restaurant every day. The origins of this culinary decree have been lost in antiquity, but there are several oft-repeated legends. One story has it that Senator Fred Thomas Dubois of Idaho, who served in the Senate from 1901 to 1907 and sat as chairman of the committee that supervised the Senate Restaurant, gaveled through a resolution requiring that the bean soup be on the menu every day. Another account attributes the bean soup mandate to Senator Knute Nelson of Minnesota, who expressed his fondness for it in 1903. In any case, Senators, and their guests, are always assured of this hearty, nourishing dish. They know they can rely upon its delightful flavor and epicurean qualities. (Recipe from the Honourable and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, IV, U.S. Senator, West Virginia.)
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (based on 11 reviews)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 347
- Fat Content: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 78.2mg
- Sodium Content: 323.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 30.8g
- Fiber Content: 12.1g
- Sugar Content: 1g
- Protein Content: 33.5g
Keywords
Pork, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, High Protein, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Free Of…, High In…, Potluck, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients
- 2 pounds navy beans
- 1 1/2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 onion
- Unsalted butter (amount not specified)
- Salt (amount not specified)
- Pepper (amount not specified)
Recipe Instructions
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Prepare Beans: Take two pounds of small Michigan navy beans, wash, and run through hot water until beans are white again.
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Boil Beans: Put the beans on the fire with four quarts of hot water.
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Add Ham Hocks: Then add smoked ham hocks, boil slowly for approximately 3 hours in a covered pot.
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Prepare Onion: Braise one chopped onion in a little butter, and when light brown, put it into the soup.
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Season: Season with salt and pepper, then serve. Do not add salt until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe yields a delightful, hearty bean soup with a rich flavor from the smoked ham hocks.
- The long, slow simmering of the beans with the ham hocks allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Serve this bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup is a beloved dish that has stood the test of time in the hallowed halls of the United States Senate. With its rich history and hearty flavor, it’s no wonder that Senators and their guests continue to enjoy this iconic dish day after day. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving, this bean soup is sure to delight everyone at the table. So why not bring a taste of Washington, D.C. into your own kitchen with this classic recipe?
