Senate Navy Bean Soup is one of those recipes that have a past that is almost bigger than the recipe, just like the Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe, which is an Urban Legend, this recipe has an uncertain past. It was said that Senator Fred Thomas Dubois of Idaho, was responsible for a resolution that required this bean soup be served every day on the menu. There are many different versions of this recipe available online.
Soup is a food that nourishes the soul, and recipes that help you save money are very popular. This simple soup can be made from an inexpensive package of dry navy beans, and with a ham hock, and a few seasonings, you will have a homemade soup that will rival any bowl of soup you could get in a restaurant. You really can enjoy the Senate Navy Bean Soup when you make it at home.
Senate Navy Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry navy beans
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and rinse beans and pick any debris or dark colored beans. In a large stockpot combine rinsed beans, ham hock, and 4 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low-medium heat until the beans are soft, about 2 hours.
- While the beans are simmering heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized skillet and add garlic, chopped onion, chopped carrot, and chopped celery and saute until all vegetables are soft. Add softened vegetables to the beans and stir well. Remove ham hock from soup, and cut meat into small bite-sized pieces and add meat back to soup. Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans, this will give you a nice velvety texture. Season soup with salt and pepper before serving.
Henriette Hall says
Here we go again……………
YOU asked Stephanie for her recipe of Senate Bean Soup–she did just that–she gave you HER recipe !!
I do not know Stephanie–I just think that some folks are never satisfied. How about this…..Create a website and post ALL of your recipes that you have altered by adding to or deleting ingredients…….
David Taylor says
I eat this almost every time I return home to Pensacola, FL and visit McGuires. You might want to look here: http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_item/bean_soup.htm. Nice to have it posted online from the source.
Jodi says
You have to get a good smoked ham hock from the butcher. A goid hock will make a good soup a great hock will make a great soup.
RESOH02 says
CUT UP A STRIP OF BACON IN SMALL PIECES AND ADD TO SOUP AS SOON AS YOU START THE HOCKS
Beth W. says
McGuire’s in Pensacola & Fort Walton Beach, Florida have a Senate Bean soup on their menu (18¢ if ordered with entree). I’m trying both of these in hopes at least one is as good as McGuire’s. p.s. would love to get their recipe for the brown bread they serve-yum
Stephanie says
I have been to that restaurant a couple of times. I loved that restaurant. They have a cookbook, their recipe for their brown bread may be in that book .
MarieF says
Tried both recipes Beth, don’t touch McGuire’s..Something is missing and I can’t put my finger on it
MarieF says
Tried both recipes Beth, don’t touch McGuire’s..Something is missing and I can’t put my finger on it
MawMaw Cat says
McGuires is located in Pensacola and Destin. The Senate Bean Soup is deliciously addicting! It is also served with a wonderful little loaf dark brown bread that compliments the soup perfectly!! Their homemade Root Beer is great too and I don’t normally like root beer! My family loves eating there and so do the grandbabies!
CrockPotLady says
The now defunct Bill Knapp’s had the best bean soup. Wish I could get a really good copycat recipe for that. When searching the internet, there are just too many variations that claim to be the “real” one.
Tina says
When I was a little girl, my grandpa put ketsup in his bean soup. It gives it a really tangy flavor. I still do it to this day.
Stephanie says
You know my mom used to put Ketchup in chili.
martha says
This is the same as I make my soup. Very good