Recipe: Senate Bean Soup
Description:
This Senate Bean Soup recipe is a cherished family heirloom, passed down through generations. With a history steeped in tradition, it’s a comforting dish that warms both the body and the soul. Inspired by the classic flavors of home cooking, this rendition promises to be a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Serves: Not specified
Ingredients:
- 1 pound navy beans
- 1 ham bone
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 celery stalk
- 2/3 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Keywords: Pork, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Winter, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 111.2
- Fat: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 151.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.8g
- Fiber: 7.1g
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 5.5g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by washing and sorting the navy beans. In a large kettle, cover the beans with 6-8 cups of hot water. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, allowing it to bubble away for 2 minutes. Then, remove the kettle from the heat, cover it, and let the beans stand for 1 hour. This initial step helps to soften the beans and kick-start the cooking process.
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Cook the Beans: After the beans have soaked, it’s time to continue cooking. Add another 2 quarts of cold water to the kettle, along with the ham bone. This addition infuses the broth with rich, savory flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil once again, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the beans and ham bone to simmer together for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
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Add the Aromatics: Once the beans have reached the desired tenderness, it’s time to enhance their flavor with aromatic vegetables and seasonings. Finely chop the onion, garlic cloves, and celery stalk, then add them to the simmering pot. These aromatic ingredients contribute layers of depth to the soup, creating a harmonious blend of savory flavors. Stir in the mashed potatoes, parsley, pepper, ground nutmeg, oregano, basil, and bay leaf, ensuring that each component is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
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Simmer to Perfection: With all the ingredients combined, allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 20-30 minutes. This final stage of cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a robust and well-balanced dish. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep a watchful eye on the texture of the beans, adjusting the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of tenderness.
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Finish and Serve: Once the soup has reached its full potential, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Remove the ham bone from the pot, taking care to trim off any remaining meat. Return the tender ham pieces to the soup, discarding the bone. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving, as its job is done once it has imparted its essence into the broth. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, allowing its comforting aroma to beckon eager diners to the table.
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Storage and Enjoyment: This Senate Bean Soup is a true classic that only gets better with time. If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! This hearty soup freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to preserve its homemade goodness for future enjoyment. Simply transfer any remaining soup to airtight containers or freezer bags, being sure to leave some room for expansion. Store the soup in the freezer for up to several months, thawing and reheating it whenever a cozy meal is calling your name.
Indulge in the timeless appeal of Senate Bean Soup, a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of home. With its rich flavors and soul-satisfying goodness, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household too. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or as a quick weeknight dinner, this classic recipe never fails to delight.
