Best 5 Senate Bean Soup From Idahoan Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Senate Bean Soup, a hearty and comforting dish originating from the heart of Idaho. This iconic soup boasts a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when it was served at the United States Senate Dining Room. Over the years, it has become a beloved classic enjoyed by people across the country. This article presents a collection of carefully curated Senate Bean Soup recipes, each offering unique variations to tantalize your taste buds. From the traditional version featuring tender beans, savory bacon, and aromatic vegetables to creative twists that incorporate different types of beans, flavorful herbs, and a variety of seasonings, these recipes promise a culinary journey that will warm your soul. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find a recipe here that suits your preferences and skill level. So gather your ingredients, prepare your cooking pots, and embark on a delicious adventure with Senate Bean Soup.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SENATE BEAN SOUP (THE OFFICIAL RECIPE)



Senate Bean Soup (The Official Recipe) image

A historic ham and bean soup recipe that's always on the Senate menu for a reason.

Provided by Unpeeled

Categories     dinner     lunch

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound dry navy beans
3/4 pound smoked ham hock
2 quarts cold water
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon butter
kosher salt, to taste (I do about 2 teaspoons)
fresh black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Rinse the navy beans and pick over. Place beans into large pot with two quarts of cold water and the ham hock. Bring just to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for approximately three hours in a partially-covered pot, stirring occasionally, until the beans have fully softened.
  • Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, lightly brown the onion in butter and add to the soup. Pull meat from the ham hocks and return to soup. Stir. Before serving, bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper.

CLASSIC AMERICAN SENATE BEAN SOUP



Classic American Senate Bean Soup image

A version of the classic bean soup recipe has been served in the U.S. Senate dining room for over 100 years. Make your work easier with simple tips.

Provided by Danilo Alfaro

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Soup

Time 11h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound dried navy beans , or Great Northern beans
3 quarts vegetable stock, or broth
1 ham hock
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 large onions, roughly chopped
4 large celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
2/3 cup instant mashed potato flakes

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Soak the beans in water overnight. Make sure the beans are covered with a couple of inches of water, as they can expand somewhat.
  • Drain the beans.
  • In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, combine the vegetable stock , the drained beans, and the ham hock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer .
  • Simmer, covered, for 2 hours, occasionally skimming off any scum that forms on the surface.
  • In a separate saucepan, heat the butter over a low-to-medium heat.
  • Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the butter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion is slightly translucent, stirring more or less continuously.
  • Add the wine and cook for another minute or two or until the wine seems to have reduced by about half.
  • Add the onion mixture, parsley, and the potato flakes to the soup and simmer for another hour or until the beans are tender.
  • Remove the ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and chop it up.
  • Return the chopped meat to the soup. If necessary, add more stock or water to the soup to adjust the thickness.
  • Season to taste with kosher salt and white pepper .
  • Serve right away and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fiber 7 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 1081 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 8 g, ServingSize 8 Servings (8 portions), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SENATE BEAN SOUP



Senate Bean Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound dried navy beans, picked over
1 pound ham (preferably with bone)
1 large russet potato, peeled and quartered
Kosher salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Put the beans in a large bowl and cover with about 3 times their volume of cold water. Soak overnight in a cool place.
  • Drain the beans and transfer to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 10 cups water and the ham. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour, 30 minutes. Transfer the ham to a plate to cool slightly, then remove the bone, if used, and dice the meat. Return the meat to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, cover the potato with water in a saucepan and season with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potato is fork-tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potato; transfer to a bowl with the milk and mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add the mashed potato to the bean soup and stir until combined.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic and parsley and cook until the vegetables are translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the vegetable mixture to the soup, reduce the heat to low and cook 1 hour, adding up to 2 more cups water if the soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.

U.S. SENATE BEAN SOUP



U.S. Senate Bean Soup image

Chock-full of ham, beans and celery, this hearty soup makes a wonderful meal at any time of year. Freeze the bone from a holiday ham until you're ready to make soup. Plus, once prepared, it freezes well for a great make-ahead supper! -Rosemarie Forcum White Stone, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 4h15m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound dried great northern beans
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
3 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 cup mashed potatoes or 1/3 cup instant potato flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Minced parsley or chives

Steps:

  • Rinse and sort beans. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 to 4 hours or until beans are softened., Drain and rinse, discarding liquid. In a large Dutch oven or soup kettle, place the beans, ham bone or hocks and 3 quarts water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours., Skim fat if necessary. Add the onions, garlic, celery, parsley, potatoes, salt and pepper; simmer 1 hour longer., Set aside ham bones until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and return to Dutch oven. Heat through. Sprinkle with parsley or chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 83mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

THE FAMOUS SENATE RESTAURANT BEAN SOUP



The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup image

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 has 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.)

Provided by Millereg

Categories     Ham

Time 3h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 lbs of small michigan navy beans
1 1/2 lbs smoked ham hocks
1 onion
unsalted butter
salt
pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Take two pounds of small Michigan navy beans, wash and run through hot water until beans are white again.
  • Put on the fire with four quarts of hot water.
  • Then add smoked ham hocks, boil slowly approximately 3 hours in covered pot.
  • Braise one chopped onion in a little butter, and when light brown put it into the soup.
  • Season with salt and pepper then serve.
  • Do not add salt until ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your soup will taste. Look for fresh, seasonal vegetables and high-quality canned or dried beans.
  • Soak your beans overnight: Soaking your beans overnight will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you don't have time to soak your beans overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 1 minute, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
  • Don't overcook your beans: Overcooked beans will be mushy and bland. Cook your beans just until they are tender, but still hold their shape.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you add to your soup, the more flavorful it will be. Some good vegetables to use include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and corn.
  • Add some herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can help to add flavor and depth to your soup. Some good herbs and spices to use include bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder.
  • Let your soup simmer: Simmering your soup for a long time will help to develop the flavors. Simmer your soup for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.

Conclusion:

Senate bean soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious pot of senate bean soup that your family and friends will love.

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